Moo-Deng: The Internet’s Favorite Pygmy Hippo

Moo-Deng is a baby pygmy hippo that has captured the hearts of internet users around the world. Her name, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, perfectly describes her lively and playful nature. Moo-Deng resides in a zoo and has become a viral sensation, gathering a substantial fanbase on social media platforms such as TikTok, where her caretakers regularly post videos of her charming antics.

Fans can witness Moo-Deng munching on grapes, splashing around in water, or receiving affectionate rubs from her handlers. Her enthusiastic and puppy-like runs are particularly endearing, adding to her widespread appeal. It’s not just her personality that’s winning fans; her adorably plump and glossy appearance, complete with rosy cheeks, makes her irresistibly cute to viewers everywhere.

Many visitors flock to the zoo regularly just to catch a glimpse of this delightful creature in person. Pygmy hippos like Moo-Deng are fascinating creatures, distinguished from their larger relatives, the common hippopotamus. Found primarily in West Africa, these smaller hippos inhabit forests and swamps in regions like Liberia, living as nocturnal herbivores. Unfortunately, they face threats from habitat destruction, such as logging activities.