There’s a new internet darling right now that has captured the hearts and attention of many people around the world, and her name is Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus in Thailand.
Her very cutesy appearance, expressive personality, and playful antics immediately catapulted her to online stardom, which resulted in an unexpected surge in the number of visitors coming to Khao Kheow Open Zoo to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng.
she’s just a girl pic.twitter.com/OtPkR1EFVR
— 💖 (@twaniimals) September 27, 2024
But the two-month-old hippo’s fame comes with a price as several zoo visitors were reportedly overstepping Moo Deng’s boundaries.
In case you haven’t caught on to what’s happening: Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” or “bouncing pig,” is the latest internet sensation. It all started when her caretakers began sharing videos of her going about her day, which included her nibbling her caretakers’ knees with her toothless mouth, napping, and expressing her “female rage” after refusing to take a bath.
Moo Deng – A natural born fighter girl 🥊🥺😂#moodeng pic.twitter.com/g8Xyo6ltTV
— Moo Deng (@moodengx) September 22, 2024
Moo Deng tired, Moo Deng go sleep. 💤🥺🩷#moodeng pic.twitter.com/jRhdWdST38
— Moo Deng (@moodengx) September 18, 2024
@chonburilove หมูเด้ง ขอกัดหน่อยได้มั้ยนุด แง่มมมม 🦛💕 #หมูเด้ง #ทริปนี้ที่รอคอย #localserviceชิงมง ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ไข่ตุ๋นทำไร
@baifernkewalee เป็นสาวหวงตัวนะคะ🤣 เอ็นดูพี่คนดูแลมากน้องหนีสุด😂 #สัตว์โลกน่ารัก #หมูเด้ง #ฮิปโป #hippo #ขาหมูแอนด์เดอะแก๊ง #สวนสัตว์tiktok #hippopotamus @ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ศาลเจ้ามังกรเนื้อทอง
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Moo Deng’s popularity has launched a thousand viral memes and earned recognition from some of the biggest brands in the world. It also attracted a large number of visitors, reaching up to 4,000 guests on weekdays and more than 10,000 on weekends.
However, Moo Deng’s caretakers have been more concerned for her safety as some visitors have thrown objects and splashed water at her to provoke a reaction from the baby hippo.
As a result, the zoo announced that visitors’ viewing opportunities for Moo Deng would be limited to Saturday and Sunday, with each visit capped at five minutes.
Khao Khew Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi also threatened legal actions and issued a statement, condemning visitors for their behavior towards Moo Deng.
“These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment,” said the zoo’s director.
Chodchoi also reaffirmed the zoo’s commitment that their facility adheres to international standards. According to the director, the facility also supports wildlife preservation by breeding wild animals and returning them to their natural habitats. Recently, the zoo has released sarus cranes and black-necked storks.
Moo Deng is part of the pygmy hippopotamus species and these species are classified as endangered by the Zoological Society of London. According to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation, there are only an estimated 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, and they’re believed to be found in some countries in West Africa, such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
Other POP! stories you might like:
P. Diddy faces allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, celebs spotted as pics resurface
‘Insensitive’: Yulo siblings draw social media flak for perceived mocking of PWDs in a video
A recap on DanTDM vs. Mr. Beast, Logan Paul and KSI ‘lunchly’ drama
Emanuelle Atienza receives another backlash for dragging Nadine Lustre in statement video
AI tool promises to help UK police solve cold cases in just 30 hours
