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Fran Lu

These days, the spotlight in Thailand shines not on actors or musicians, but on a delightful baby hippopotamus named Moo Deng.
This two-month-old pygmy hippo resides at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi in eastern Thailand and has quickly captured hearts nationwide.
Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncy pig” and is also inspired by a beloved pork dish, was chosen through a Facebook poll in which 20,000 people participated. Her Instagram account has amassed over 270,000 followers, proving her irresistible charm.
Born on July 10, Moo Deng is the seventh offspring of her mother, Jonah, and father, Tony. Her siblings also bear names influenced by Thai cuisine: Moo Toon means “stewed pork” while Moo Wan translates to “sweet pork”.
This little hippo has become a viral sensation thanks to her playful antics and adorable reactions to her zookeepers’ teasing.
One of her most cherished videos shows her playfully nibbling on a keeper’s knees during a massage session.
In another memorable clip, Moo Deng hilariously panics at the thought of taking a shower, her frightened expression mirroring the iconic “doge meme”, further boosting her online popularity.

Moo Deng’s influence has transcended digital platforms, significantly boosting visitor numbers at the zoo by 30 per cent since her birth.
Moo Deng is set to capture the attention of fans across Asia with the launch of a 24/7 live-stream dedicated to her antics. As her stardom continues to rise, the live-stream aims to accommodate her ever-growing fanbase.
Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director, explained to the Post: “To prevent an overwhelming influx of visitors, we’re planning this round-the-clock live-stream for her fans who can’t make it here in person.”
Narongwit stated that Moo Deng is most lively in the mornings, specifically between 8am and 9am, when zookeepers spray water to clean her enclosure. She is also quite active in the afternoons during feeding time for her mother.


To ensure a pleasant experience for all, the zoo allows visitors to interact with Moo Deng for a maximum of five minutes and has implemented rules to prevent inappropriate behaviour, such as throwing objects or pouring water on her.
Her charm has captivated audiences beyond Thailand; Moo Deng has also captured hearts in China and Japan, inspiring a flurry of illustrations celebrating her cuteness.
Comments on platforms like Weibo reflect this adoration, with fans expressing their desire to connect with her and sharing how she has “melted their hearts”.
“I like how she tries to appear angry, but it is in vain,” said an online observer.
While Moo Deng delights the public, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos, native to Western Africa, are classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Approximately 2,000 pygmy hippos are estimated to remain in the wild. It takes these unique creatures three to five years to reach adulthood.
Additional reporting by Aidan Jones


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