We Must Protect Moo Deng, the Baby Hippo Taking the Internet by Storm
Despite being born this past July, Thailand’s baby pygmy hippopotamus has become the internet’s new obsession.
A new bombshell has entered the zoo.
An adorable pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand has become the internet’s latest obsession, and we must protect her at all costs. If anything, we’re prepared to jump in front of bullets.
Moo Deng, a name that roughly translates to "bouncy pig," is a baby hippo at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bang Phra, Thailand that has gone viral recently for being cute. Yes, it’s that simple, but sometimes, you need some simply cute things in this life.
According to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, visitor numbers have doubled since Moo Deng’s birth in July. But her fame has come with a price.
Videos have emerged on social media of visitors harassing Moo Deng, with folks throwing bananas and shellfish to get her attention or splashing water to wake her up from sleeping.
Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director, has warned visitors to behave appropriately. "These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous," Narongwit said in a statement posted online.
According to BBC, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras and threatened legal action against those who mistreat her.
Moving forward, visitors to the zoo will have a five-minute window to see Moo Deng and can only visit her on weekends, per a new policy announced by Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Saturday.
Pygmy hippos are smaller cousins to the more recognizable river hippopotamus, and there are only around 2,000 of them estimated to be remaining in the wild, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation. They’re officially listed as endangered, due to lodging, mining, and disruption to the species’ natural habitat. Closer proximity to humans have also put them at greater risk of poaching.
Despite this, Moo Deng’s rise to fame could shed light on ongoing conservation efforts for pygmy hippos.
Fans can now wear their love for Moo Deng on their sleeve—literally. Merch is now available to purchase at the zoo and online, including shirts and pants featuring illustrations of Moo Deng. Brands like Sephora have also leaned into the craze, who put out an advertisement for a line of Moo Deng-inspired blushes.
Those watching from home (including myself), will continue to relish in the memes, fan-cams, and commentary taking the internet by storm.
However, if you’re one of the lucky few that does get to see Moo Deng in person, Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit has a tip for the best time to see her: between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., when keepers clean her enclosure. “This will be the time Moo Deng will be energetic as the keeper will splash the water around,” he told CNN.
Atthapon Nundee, the viral hippo’s social media manager and Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s zookeeper, adds that Moo Deng’s behavior is similar to a human baby with playful outbursts and long periods of rest. “Most of the time she is sleeping,” said Atthapon.
The queen needs her beauty sleep, so let’s let our love rest. She is the moment, after all.
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