Two-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has quickly become an internet sensation. The adorable, pink cheeked tiny pot sized cutie born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, situated near Bangkok, has attracted more “oohs and aahs” than one can even imagine.
Moo Deng was born on July 10 to her mom, Jona and dad, Tony. The pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and are the smaller cousins of the full-sized hippopotamus. There are estimated to be less than 2,000 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.
Her TikTok videos have everyone smiling, and add to that the snippets on Facebook and X, and there we go – a truly viral sensation. She can be seen eating a watermelon, rolling around on the ground, trying to bite her handlers and taking a cool paddle in the water when Thailand’s heat of the day becomes unbearable.
Let’s start with a video guaranteed to make you smile:
Her videos have garnered millions of views, and when her handlers give her a shower or attempt to guide her through her daily experiences, she becomes even more popular. According to the zoo’s director, it’s her cuteness and behavior that draws the crowds. Since her birth, the zoo attendance has increased at least 30%.
Sadly, with popularity, too often bad behavior from viewers follow.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is taking a firm stance against the mistreatment of its beloved pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. After a series of incidents involving tourists harassing the young animal, the zoo’s director warned that legal action will be taken against anyone caught bullying Moo Deng.
Moo Deng, a global sensation on social media, has captured hearts worldwide, including in countries like South Korea and Japan. Her innocent charm and playful antics have made her a fan favorite among zoo visitors.
One of the more disappointments since Moo Deng’s birth has been the rudeness of some zoo guests; one person threw water on her, and another jerk threw a shell at her while she was napping. The zoo has since threatened legal action against these obnoxious acts of cruelty.
Here she is with mommy:
If you happen to be in Thailand and want to see Moo Deng at her most active, it’s recommended to visit in the mornings when she is the most energetic and zoo personnel are cleaning the enclosure.
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