Summary:
Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo, is a viral sensation from Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The zoo attracts 10,000 visitors a day thanks to Moo Deng's popularity.
Fans have declared Moo Deng a lifestyle icon on social media.
Concerns have arisen regarding her safety due to inappropriate visitor behavior.
Pygmy hippos are classified as endangered, with only 2,000 remaining in the wild.
A baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng from the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand has become a viral sensation! Born in July, this adorable two-month-old has captured hearts online and in-person.
Moo Deng's Rise to Fame
Since the zoo started sharing photos and videos of Moo Deng, the little hippo has attracted 10,000 visitors a day! In a recent segment aired on September 26, viewers saw her sleeping, eating, and playing, further endearing her to fans everywhere.
Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng with her mother on September 19, 2024. (Sakchai Lalit / AP)
Moo Deng's Celebrity Status
Despite her unaware status of fame, Moo Deng's mother might be catching on to the buzz. In videos, Moo Deng often follows her mom around and enjoys meals together. The zooâs TikTok account showcases delightful moments, including Moo Deng resting under her mom while getting a refreshing spray of water.
Fans on social media have embraced her with loving messages, declaring her a lifestyle icon. One fan humorously listed reasons why Moo Deng deserves the spotlight, including her âinexplicably moistâ appearance and her âroundâ figure.
Concerns for Moo Deng's Safety
However, with great fame comes great concern. Some visitors have engaged in inappropriate behavior, tossing objects at her, prompting the zoo to limit viewing to weekends with a strict five-minute cap per visit. The zoo director emphasized the need to protect Moo Deng and ensure her environment remains safe.
Pygmy hippos, like Moo Deng, are classified as endangered. The Pygmy Hippo Foundation estimates that only 2,000 remain in the wild, facing threats such as hunting.
What is a Pygmy Hippo?
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippo, a species that grows to only half the height and weighs less than a quarter of a typical hippo. They are native to West Africa, with populations in countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea. At birth, pygmy hippos weigh between 10 and 14 pounds and are weaned by six to eight months.
Moo Deng with her mother Jona on September 15, 2024. (Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP via Getty Images)
Stay tuned for more updates on Moo Deng and her journey to stardom!
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