Meet Moo Deng, the internet’s favorite pygmy hippopotamus. She captured the hearts of people around the world after being born on July 10, 2024, at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand.
At just two months old, adorable images of her quickly spread across the internet, turning her into a beloved Internet sensation and meme in September 2024. Moo Deng has gained a reputation for her charming and diva-like personality, further endearing her to fans everywhere.
Everett Stone (9) has come across her profile on various social media platforms and has also seen her featured in news articles.
“I think it is so popular because lots of people like baby animals, and every month or so, there is a new animal that seems to get a lot of attention on social media,” Stone said.
In a fascinating display of public engagement, the name “Moo Deng” was selected through a large-scale poll that attracted participation from over 20,000 individuals, a number equivalent to the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden. The winning name, “Moo Deng,” translates to “bouncy pork/pig” in English, reflecting creativity and cultural significance. The selection process offered three distinctive options: “Moo Deng,” “Moo Sap” (minced pork), and “Moo Daeng” (red pork), with “Moo Deng” appearing as the clear victor in the end.
The official Facebook page of Khao Kheow Open Zoo recently posted some captivating photos of its adorable pygmy hippopotamuses. Among them, Moo Deng has quickly stolen the hearts of many fans and become a favorite.
Maleena Keut (10), discovered Moo Deng through social media and quickly developed a deep admiration for the character.
“I didn’t know she was so famous, and I totally understand why, she’s adorable and it’s just a girl honestly! It is amazing how such an unnoticed animal became popular overnight, so it is refreshing to see that she is now social media’s princess,” Keut said.
Moo Deng has gained a reputation for her playful and energetic nature, setting her apart from other members of her species. Her endearing qualities have captured the hearts of visitors to the zoo, prompting the establishment to introduce a line of clothing and merchandise featuring designs inspired by Moo Deng. Additionally, her charm has sparked a wave of fan art, further solidifying her status as a beloved figure.
Audreyna Hansana (10) came to know about Moo Deng from social media and her mother. Recently, her family has developed an interest in this new baby.
“Learning about Moo Deng is interesting knowing how petite he is for a hippo. I think the animal is popular because people think it’s fascinating to watch how Moo Deng does activities in his daily life,” Hansana said.
Due to the sudden surge in the viral online popularity of Moo Deng, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo experienced a significant increase in the number of daily visitors during the early part of September 2024. However, this increase in foot traffic brought about some distressing incidents as certain visitors engaged in inappropriate behavior towards Moo Deng.
Reports surfaced of visitors harassing the baby elephant by splashing her with water or throwing objects at her to rouse her from her rest. In response to these incidents, the zoo acted by installing security cameras around Moo Deng’s enclosure to ensure her safety and well-being. Furthermore, the zoo director issued a stern warning, showing that legal action would be pursued against any visitors found to be engaging in such misconduct.
The troubling behavior of some visitors towards Moo Deng sparked widespread condemnation and outrage on social media and various online platforms. Considering these incidents and the increased visitor volume, the zoo also implemented a strict five-minute time limit for each visitor to ensure that the high volume of visitors could be accommodated while keeping a safe and respectful environment for the animals, particularly Moo Deng.
“If I ever had the opportunity to see Moo Deng, I would 100%, but hopefully in a peaceful way and not an overcrowded zoo, since I bet, hundreds would also love to see her, and I do not blame them,” Keut said.
