In July 2024, a new star was born at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo: Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus. Since her birth on July 10, she has become an internet phenomenon, drawing visitors from around the globe and reshaping the zoo’s daily operations. With her playful personality and unique name, Moo Deng, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, has captured the hearts of millions online. Here’s a closer look at how this baby hippo skyrocketed to fame and the impact it has had on both the zoo and the broader public.
A Star is Born
Moo Deng was introduced to the world shortly after her birth through the zoo’s social media platforms. Her name was chosen through an online poll where over 20,000 people voted, reflecting the early interest in this adorable animal. The zoo has a tradition of giving its hippos food-themed names; Moo Deng’s siblings are named Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork).
The baby pygmy hippo became a viral sensation within weeks, thanks to a series of videos shared by her zookeeper, Atthapon Nundee. These clips showcased Moo Deng’s playful nature—bouncing around her enclosure and interacting with her mother, Jonah. Atthapon had been sharing moments of his animals for five years, but he never expected Moo Deng’s antics to garner global attention.
A Social Media Darling
From TikTok to Instagram, Moo Deng’s fame exploded across various social media platforms. Fans were captivated by her expressive face and energetic behavior, quickly turning her into a meme. Posts about Moo Deng began to trend, and artists contributed fan art, further boosting her popularity. Some fans even made comments such as wanting to “ball her up” due to her adorable and round appearance, underscoring just how smitten the public was.
The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, recognized the commercial potential behind Moo Deng’s fame. In response, the zoo began patenting her name to prevent unauthorized commercial use and rolled out official merchandise, including T-shirts and other items, with plans to release more in the coming months. Additionally, a 24-hour live stream of Moo Deng’s enclosure is expected to launch soon, allowing fans to watch her anytime from anywhere.
Rising Visitor Numbers and Challenges
The baby hippo’s internet fame has had a significant impact on the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Since the videos went viral, the zoo has seen its daily visitor count increase dramatically. During weekdays, the number of visitors has surged from around 800 to over 4,000, and on weekends, it has skyrocketed to more than 10,000 However, this rise in popularity has not come without challenges. The massive influx of visitors has caused congestion at the zoo, especially around Moo Deng’s enclosure. To manage the crowds, the zoo has implemented a five-minute viewing limit during peak hours. Moreover, security cameras have been installed after reports emerged of some visitors throwing objects at Moo Deng to wake her while she rested. These incidents sparked backlash online, prompting the zoo to enforce stricter rules and take legal action against those who mistreat the animals.
The Conservation Effort
While Moo Deng’s fame has been beneficial for the zoo financially, it also shines a spotlight on the importance of conservation efforts. Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, and their numbers are critically low due to habitat loss and poaching. With only around 2,000 to 3,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, Moo Deng’s visibility has brought attention to the species’ endangered status.
Through the increased revenue generated by Moo Deng’s fame and merchandise sales, the zoo has been able to reinvest in its breeding programs and overall animal welfare initiatives. Zoo officials hope that Moo Deng’s popularity will continue to raise awareness about the challenges pygmy hippos face in the wild.
Looking Ahead
As Moo Deng continues to grow, so does her influence both online and in the real world. Fans can expect more merchandise, a live feed, and possibly even documentaries in the future. Meanwhile, the zoo plans to use Moo Deng’s fame to promote broader conservation goals and improve the welfare of its other animals.
Moo Deng’s story highlights how the power of social media can transform a small zoo into a global sensation. Her adorable antics have not only attracted thousands of new visitors but also underscored the importance of conservation efforts. For now, fans worldwide are eagerly watching to see what this bouncy little hippo does next.
