Moo-Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo from Thailand, has become an internet sensation with her adorable antics at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Clips of her wobbling around her enclosure, nibbling on her zookeeper, and being sprayed with water have gone viral online, capturing the hearts of fans across Asia and beyond. She has even inspired cakes, artwork, and a cosmetics chain promoting blush in her honor.
The TikTok account dedicated to Moo-Deng and other animals at the zoo has gained 2.5 million followers, with additional social media accounts documenting her daily life drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. Atthapon Nundee, the zookeeper behind the online presence, has been overwhelmed by Moo-Deng’s international fame.
Despite the surge in visitors to the zoo, concerns have been raised about Moo-Deng’s welfare due to tourists throwing water and seashells at her. The zoo authorities have taken measures to protect her, including installing CCTV and assigning an officer to watch over her. Moo-Deng’s popularity has shed a light on the conservation status of pygmy hippos, which are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Edwin Wiek from the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand emphasized the importance of conservation efforts in the wild, rather than keeping pygmy hippos in zoo settings. Atthapon defended the zoo’s role in conservation, hoping that Moo-Deng’s cuteness will raise awareness about the species. Despite her early fame, Moo-Deng remains a playful baby hippo who enjoys napping and soaking in the water, similar to her adult counterparts in the wild.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com