Baby Hippo Moo Deng Charms Thai and Global Audiences

Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus, has charmed her way into the hearts of millions, captivating both Thailand and an international audience with her adorable demeanor. Residing at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, she has become a viral sensation thanks to her chubby, pink cheeks and cuddly appearance.

Born on June 10 to parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng’s cuteness has been widely shared across social media platforms. Despite being just two months old, she is already renowned for her playful antics and attempts at nibbling her caretaker—even without teeth. Her name, which translates to “bouncing pig” in Thai, was selected through a public vote.

Pygmy hippopotamuses, the species to which Moo Deng belongs, are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. Smaller and more solitary than their river hippo relatives, they are presently an endangered species, with possibly only around 3,000 individuals left in the wild.

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo has seen a significant surge in visitors eager to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng. Normally receiving around 800 visitors a day during the low rainy season, the zoo now hosts between 3,000 and 4,000 guests on weekdays, with nearly 20,000 visitors over weekends.

As Moo Deng’s fame grows, so do concerns about her safety and comfort. The zoo’s director, Narungwit, has implemented stricter viewing regulations, allowing visitors only a brief five-minute window to see the hippo, and increased staff presence to ensure her welfare. Surveillance measures have also been stepped up following some reports of visitors tossing objects at the animal.

Her popularity extends beyond the zoo, with Moo Deng inspiring advertising campaigns by notable brands like Sephora Thailand and even the NBA’s Utah Jazz. Her image has become emblematic, seen as a “lifestyle icon,” across various media, embracing her natural charm and appeal.