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Moo Deng, Thailand’s Cuddly Baby Pygmy Hippo And Internet Sensation Is Now Being Patented

The pygmy hippo, native to West Africa, faces threats from poaching and habitat loss.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Moo Deng, Thailand’s Cuddly Baby Pygmy Hippo And Internet Sensation Is Now Being Patented

In just a month, Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has captured hearts both in Thailand and around the world. Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee has been sharing delightful moments of the animals in his care for five years. Yet, he never anticipated that a simple baby hippo could become an internet sensation so quickly.

Moo Deng, Thailand’s Cuddly Baby Pygmy Hippo

On a recent Thursday, visitors flocked to the zoo, located 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, long before opening time. They came eager to catch a glimpse of the pudgy, two-month-old hippo. The enclosure quickly filled with fans cooing and cheering as Moo Deng, with her cute pink cheeks, made her shy movements.

Moo Deng’s name, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, was chosen by fans through a social media poll, matching her siblings’ names: Moo Toon and Moo Waan. There’s even a common hippo at the zoo named Kha Moo. Visitors have fallen in love with Moo Deng’s playful nature. Moo Deng’s fame has skyrocketed; she’s become the subject of memes, cartoons, and even featured on the social media platform X.

To capitalise on her popularity, the zoo has begun patenting and trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo.”
Khao Kheow Open Zoo spans 800 hectares and houses over 2,000 animals, many of which are part of breeding programmes for endangered species. The pygmy hippo, native to West Africa, faces threats from poaching and habitat loss. With only 2,000 to 3,000 left in the wild, Moo Deng’s presence is vital for raising awareness.

Also Read: Gujarat To Have An Upcoming Lion-Leopard Safari Park, To Revolutionise Wildlife Tourism

A Massive Influx Of Visitors

To support the initiative, the zoo is launching Moo Deng merchandise, including shirts and pants, by the end of the month. Moo Deng loves to bounce, and her antics have charmed many online. As a baby hippo, she is naturally playful and will become calmer as she matures.

Since her rise to fame, the zoo has experienced a massive influx of visitors. Weekday attendance has surged from around 800 to over 4,000, while weekend numbers have jumped from 3,000 to more than 10,000. To manage the crowd, the zoo now limits access to Moo Deng’s enclosure to five-minute slots during busy periods.

However, not all attention has been positive. Some visitors have misbehaved, waking Moo Deng during her two hours of playtime by splashing water or throwing objects. In response, the zoo has placed warning signs and is prepared to take action under animal protection laws if necessary.

Also Read: Why Has The Rise In Whale-Watching Tourism In Tahiti Left Environmentalists Concerned? 

For those unable to visit, Khao Kheow Open Zoo plans to set up cameras for a 24-hour live feed of the baby pygmy, allowing her fans to enjoy her cuteness from afar.

Cover Image Courtesy: @and_khamoo/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: September 20, 2024 2:14 PM