A 2-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo has become a viral sensation, winning hearts across the globe. Nicknamed “bouncy pig” due to her playful nature, Moo Deng’s adorable videos of her splashing in water and interacting with zookeepers have garnered millions of views online. Her expressive features and charm have even drawn comparisons to Pokémon characters, with fans creating memes, fan art, and even branded merchandise inspired by her cuteness.
Moo Deng’s popularity has not only boosted the zoo’s social media presence but also sparked campaigns like Sephora’s playful promotion encouraging customers to “wear your blush like a baby hippo.” The mastermind behind Moo Deng’s viral fame is her zookeeper, 31-year-old Atthapon Nundee, who began sharing videos of the animals in his care during the pandemic. Atthapon, surprised by the global attention, noted that he initially aimed to make Moo Deng famous in Thailand, but her appeal quickly spread worldwide.
However, Moo Deng’s newfound fame has also brought challenges. Overly enthusiastic fans have disrupted her by throwing food and demanding attention, prompting the zoo to install CCTV cameras and remind visitors to respect her space. Despite these issues, Moo Deng’s rising popularity has a silver lining: it shines a spotlight on the plight of her critically endangered species.
Native to West Africa, pygmy hippos face habitat loss, with fewer than 3,000 believed to be left in the wild. Atthapon and conservationists hope that Moo Deng’s viral charm will help raise awareness about the need to protect these rare and adorable creatures, encouraging more people to learn about and support conservation efforts.
Sources By Agencies
