Pygmy hippos

Why Did This Baby Hippo Steal Our Heart (And Over 2.6 Million Followers)?

Meet Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo who's taken Thailand by storm—prepare for cuteness overload from this online sensation!

If you think the Internet can’t get any cuter, think again! Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has taken social media by storm with her irresistible charm and pinkish cheeks. With over 2.6 million followers on TikTok and thousands more on Facebook and Instagram, this little charmer has become more than just a beloved animal at the zoo—she's now a full-blown celebrity! Visitors from around the globe are flocking to see Moo Deng, and the zoo is doubling its foot traffic thanks to her adorable antics captured on camera.

Moo Deng's rise to fame is largely thanks to zookeeper Atthapon Nundee, who set out with a clear goal: to make her famous. By sharing delightful videos of Moo Deng on social media, Nundee has managed to turn the spotlight on this tiny hippo and, in doing so, sparked important conversations about the ethics of zoos. While some may raise concerns over animal welfare and captivity, Moo Deng’s popularity has undeniably brought joy and educational opportunities to thousands, bridging the gap between the wild and the everyday world in a fun way.

But life isn’t all sunshine and roses for Moo Deng. Reports indicate that visitors can sometimes get a little too enthusiastic, tossing objects at her during their meet-and-greet sessions! While this behavior illustrates just how captivated people are by her, it’s crucial for visitors to respect her space while enjoying her bubbly personality. After all, a happy hippo makes for an even happier zoo, not to mention a happier audience!

As we dive deeper into the impact of Moo Deng’s sudden fame, it’s clear she’s not just a hippo; she’s a bridge to discussions about conservation and animal appreciation. Seeing such a lively and playful hippo makes people more aware of the vital role zoos play in education and conservation efforts. So, who’s counting this adorable hippo as their new spirit animal?! Little Moo Deng is not only stealing hearts online, but she’s also doing her bit in our journey towards understanding and preserving wildlife.

Did you know that pygmy hippos can grow up to 230 kg while still being only half the size of their larger relatives? These small, nocturnal creatures are actually native to the rainforests of West Africa! And get this: they can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater, making them surprisingly great swimmers! So, even while Moo Deng delights us with her cuteness, she’s also part of a fascinating animal kingdom that is full of wonders waiting to be discovered!