According to The Guardian, Moo-Deng is a few-month-old pygmy hippopotamus born at the Khao Kheow Zoo in Thailand. When the female hippo was born, her caretaker wanted to share this extraordinary beauty with the world. The animal started appearing on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and quickly charmed millions of users.
The pygmy hippo became an internet sensation. Fame was destined for this animal
It all started with a short video showing the tiny hippo running around her enclosure, tripping over her own legs. Moo-Deng instantly caught the attention of users from across Asia, and her online presence continued to grow. Over time, people began creating baked goods and various items featuring her image. Moreover, a cosmetic brand even launched a new trend, encouraging social media users to "wear pink like the little hippo," inspired by Moo-Deng’s slightly rosy cheeks. Journalists began referring to the animal as an "icon" and a "legend," which further boosted her social media following. As a result, the TikTok profile dedicated to the little hippo and her "friends" at the zoo now has over 2.5 million followers.
"When I first saw Moo-Deng, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it to spread beyond the borders. I thought she might become famous in Thailand, but not internationally," said Atthapon Nundee, a caretaker at Khao Kheow Zoo in Thailand.
The famous hippo draws visitors to the zoo. Her safety is the top priority
Moo-Deng has charmed people not only with her cuteness but also with her personality and the daily challenges she faces. After all, her attempts to climb slippery ramps, frequent tumbles, and efforts to "eat" her caretakers haven’t gone unnoticed. Moo-Deng’s popularity has also led to an increase in zoo visitors. However, many people have expressed concerns about the potential negative impact this might have on her and the other animals. Atthapon Nundee assures that Moo-Deng's safety is carefully monitored, and she spends most of her time either sleeping or playing in the water.
It's worth noting that pygmy hippos are listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. According to analyses conducted in 1993, only between 2,000 and 2,500 individuals remain in the wild.
