Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has become an internet sensation with her adorable pink cheeks, tummy rolls, and playful expressions. Born on June 10, 2024, to parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng quickly captured the hearts of millions with her clumsy antics, including trying to nibble her handler despite not having teeth.
Her name, which means “bouncing pig” in Thai, adds to her cuteness. With the zoo’s visitor numbers surging from around 800 to up to 4,000 on weekdays—and nearly 20,000 over the weekend—the “Moo Deng fever” has transformed the zoo into a tourist hotspot. To manage the increased crowds, zoo officials have ramped up staff presence and surveillance, ensuring that visitors respect Moo Deng’s space.
Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are endangered, with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild. Adult pygmy hippos are smaller than their common hippo relatives, growing up to three feet in height and around five feet in length. Despite their solitary nature, Moo Deng’s charming personality has united people across the globe in celebration of her cuteness.
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