Thailand’s Baby Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng: Keeper Concerned About Her Online Fame
Bangkok (CNN) — With her pinkish cheeks and natural charisma, two-month-old pygmy hippo Moo Deng is captivating audiences online and attracting large crowds to the Thai zoo where she resides. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located east of the bustling city of Bangkok, has become a hub of excitement ever since the arrival of this pint-sized new addition. Moo Deng’s adorable antics and playful nature have made her a social media sensation, with her keepers regularly sharing snippets of her daily life online.
The tiny hippo has stolen the hearts of millions of viewers as they watch her gobble up grapes, roll on the ground, and take refreshing dips in the sun to beat Thailand’s scorching heat. One of Moo Deng’s favorite activities is munching on her handlers’ knees while they shower her, as seen in viral social media clips that have garnered millions of views. “It is her natural cuteness and engaging behavior that attract tourists to come and see her,” said Narongwit Chodchoy, the director of the zoo, in an interview with CNN.
The zoo has experienced a significant increase in visitor numbers, with a rise of at least 30% since Moo Deng became an online sensation. However, her newfound fame has also brought unwanted disruptions to her daily life, prompting the zoo director to issue a stern warning. “Some tourists have behaved inappropriately towards Moo Deng. We have had instances where individuals poured water on her or even threw objects at her while she was resting on the ground,” Narongwit explained. He emphasized the importance of respectful behavior towards the young hippo and vowed to take legal action against anyone who harms her.
While Moo Deng continues to captivate audiences in person, her biggest stardom has been achieved online. One particular video posted on Facebook, showing her yawning and receiving a gentle pat on the chin from her keeper, has amassed an impressive 5.8 million views and counting. Fans have taken to social media to express their adoration for the baby hippo, with one user, Aom Worawan, declaring, “She is a star.” Another fan, Napatsawan Balee, likened Moo Deng to a superstar reincarnated as a hippo, expressing delight at her instant fame from birth. “Haha, so cute!!” they gushed.
Moo Deng’s name, which translates to “bouncy pig” in Thai, was chosen by a poll of 20,000 Facebook users in August. The name is derived from a common pork dish known for its chewiness. Born on July 10 to parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng joins siblings Moo Toon and Moo Warn, both also named after items on a Thai food menu. Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are smaller relatives of the full-sized hippopotamus, with only about 2,000 remaining in the wild, primarily in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast, according to the UK-based Pygmy Hippo Foundation.
Narongwit recommends visiting the zoo in the morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., when keepers clean Moo Deng’s enclosure and splash water around, leading to energetic playfulness from the young hippo. Another ideal time to observe Moo Deng in action is in the afternoon when she follows her mother Jona around during feeding time. The baby hippo is known to be very attached to her mother, exhibiting clingy behavior, according to Narongwit.
In conclusion, Moo Deng’s rise to fame has brought both joy and challenges to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. While her online presence has garnered millions of fans and boosted visitor numbers, it has also raised concerns about her well-being and safety. As Moo Deng continues to enchant audiences with her adorable demeanor and playful antics, it is essential for tourists to show respect and consideration towards this beloved baby pygmy hippo. Let us all appreciate and celebrate the beauty of nature and the precious wildlife that grace our planet.
