Moo Deng: Viral pygmy hippo boosts visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya
Visitors to a Thailand zoo are being warned to treat its animal with care amid the fan frenzy surrounding baby hippopotamus, Moo Deng.
Moo Deng, whose name roughly translates to "bouncy pig," is a two-month-old female pygmy hippo that has gone viral online, drawing large crowds to a zoo near Pattaya. Since her birth in July, visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo have doubled.
However, the excitement has led to some people throwing shellfish and splashing water on the baby hippo to wake her, according to social media videos. The zoo has since installed CCTV cameras around her enclosure and is threatening legal action against those who mistreat her.
The zoo director, Narongwit Chodchoi said: "These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous," he stated in a message posted online. "We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment."
Despite these issues, Moo Deng continues to attract a passionate fan base, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) declaring, "I’m obsessed with Moo Deng - I’ve been thinking about this queen all day long." Another commented, "I don’t know anything else going on in the world right now except for Moo Deng."
Moo Deng’s fame has spread well beyond the zoo. The zoo's social media channels have become almost entirely dedicated to the baby hippo, with 128 out of its last 150 posts focused on her. Merchandise, including a hippo-themed shirt and trousers, is available at the zoo and online, while beauty brand Sephora has even released a Moo Deng-inspired blush line, encouraging fans to "wear your blush like a baby hippo."
Her rise to stardom has also caught the attention of international media. A Japanese TV crew recently filmed a feature on the beloved animal, and the Royal Thai Embassy has also joined in the excitement, posting on X, "She's very energetic and her cute appearance is soothing."
Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are classified as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild. Moo Deng’s unique appearance and charm have made her a symbol of hope for her species, though the zoo continues to remind visitors to respect her space and well-being during their visits.