Moo Deng: The Viral Sensation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

In the heart of Thailand, a tiny but mighty celebrity has captured the hearts of millions. Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippopotamus, has become an internet sensation since her birth in July at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Rise to Fame

Moo Deng's adorable photos and videos, shared by the zoo on social media platforms, have gone viral. Her playful antics, such as bouncing around and nipping at her keeper, have endeared her to fans worldwide. The name 'Moo Deng,' which translates to 'bouncy pig,' was chosen by fans through an online poll and perfectly encapsulates her lively and playful nature.

The zoo has seen a significant surge in visitors, with weekdays attracting around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors, up from the usual 800, and weekends drawing in over 10,000 visitors, compared to the previous 5,000. This influx has led to the zoo limiting visitor access to Moo Deng's enclosure to five-minute intervals on weekends to ensure her safety and well-being.

Safety Concerns

Despite the joy she brings, Moo Deng's newfound fame has also raised concerns about her safety. Some visitors have been reported to throw water and other items at her to rouse her from sleep, prompting the zoo to install warning signs and enforce strict animal protection laws. The zoo's director, Narong Chodi, has emphasized the importance of protecting these animals and ensuring they have a secure and comfortable environment.

To address these issues, the zoo has restricted visits to weekends and is planning to launch a 24-hour live stream of Moo Deng's enclosure for those who cannot visit in person or are deterred by the crowds.

Conservation Efforts

Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus, a species native to West Africa and classified as endangered. With only 2,000 to 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild due to poaching and habitat destruction, the zoo's efforts to raise awareness and funds are crucial. The revenue generated from Moo Deng-themed merchandise will be reinvested into the zoo to improve the living conditions for all its inhabitants and support breeding programs for endangered species.

Moo Deng's family is also noteworthy; she is the granddaughter of Mali, Thailand's oldest hippo in captivity, and one of three siblings, with her siblings named 'pork stew' and 'sweet pork.' Her parents, Jona and Tony, have been part of the zoo's breeding program, making Moo Deng the seventh baby hippo born to the couple.