Social media went berserk over an adorable pygmy hippo!
Moo Deng is a baby pygmy hippo who went viral after the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand posted photos of him online. She was born on July 10, 2024, and gained the name as a translation of the phrase “Bouncy Pork.”
The Innocent Cake Face
The pygmy hippo gained popularity because of its cute face, jet-black eyes, and rounded body; because of this, brands and companies began creating different merchandise with her resemblance. Vetmon Cafe made a realistic Moo Deng cake, Sephora showed a Moo Deng makeup tutorial, the Lint Factory made the baby hippo their ambassador, and even Time Magazine featured her in their latest online vlog!
Fame Comes with a Price
Everyone loved Moo Deng; however, popularity comes with a price. Moo Deng fans began crowding the zoo, and because she is still a youngin, some visitors threw stuff at Moo Deng, harassing her, just to get the baby hippo to turn her attention to the crowd for photos.
“These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous… We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Narongwit Chodchoi, Zoo Director
In addition, pygmy or dwarf hippos are considered critically endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting. This is why the zoo is raising awareness of their situation and taking precautionary measures to avoid the same issue occurring as Moo Deng’s popularity continues to grow.
