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Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become an internet sensation with her playful antics.
Her viral videos have charmed global audiences, prompting the zoo to launch a 24/7 live stream to satisfy fan demand. The tiny hippo’s popularity has driven a surge in zoo visitors, with over 10,000 people flocking to see her in just one weekend.
Moo Deng hippo has also inspired a wave of memes, including “Moo Deng Autumn,” a nod to Charli XCX’s “Brat Summer.”
To ensure her well-being, interactions will be limited to weekends, with restricted group sizes and viewing times. Unfortunately, some visitors have thrown objects at the baby hippo, prompting the zoo director to warn of legal action.
Moo Deng hippo, whose name means “bouncy pork,” is part of a delightfully named family, including siblings Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork). The zoo is also home to Kha Moo, a common hippo named stewed pork leg.
As Moo Deng hippo’s fame grows, it sheds light on animal welfare in Thai zoos, particularly amid post-pandemic tourism resurgence. The zoo aims to balance visitor enthusiasm with ensuring the young hippo’s safety and happiness.
