In the heart of Chicago, a unique story is unfolding at the city’s most loved haven for animals – Lincoln Park Zoo. Adding an unexpected twist to animal behavior, the zoo’s beloved pair of pygmy hippos, Annie and Pogo, have taken a rather bold step towards asserting their existence. The gentle giants have decided to stay away from all public viewings until they receive as much media spotlight as Moo Deng, known globally as the ‘It Hippo’ from Thailand.
The duo’s demands have raised many a brows. According to them, they seek a round-the-clock video feed, an uninterrupted supply of fresh vegetables and their very own daily beauty regime – mani-pedis to be precise. Though the demands may seem baffling considering the demands are coming from two creatures who don’t possess the know-how to read or write, it is hard to deny the seriousness of their intentions. As per Nancy Francis, the seasoned Director of Lincoln Park Zoo, messages in the form of notes keep making their way under her door. The notes, along with printed images of Moo Deng, clearly reflect the hippos’ demands.
Lincoln Park Zoo might be a far cry from the global stardom, but like every true Midwesterner, the pair wants only the simple things in life – a hearty serving of Giardiniera on their feed and the feel of a pleasant, cold breeze. The zookeeper, Zachary Gotlib, is disappointed with the lack of attention that the animals of Lincoln Park are subjected to. The lack of viral TikTok videos or a dedicated SNL bit may not be the hippos’ top concern but their humble demands come from a deep desire to be acknowledged and loved.
The hippos’ loyal fanbase stand with them, but also wonders if they have what it takes to challenge Moo Deng’s influential persona and the ‘Brat Summer Attitude’ that he personifies. They have expressed similar concerns about the pair’s inability to adapt the aggressive characteristics that could have potentially helped them gain a bigger following. For instance, one such comment came from their fancier, Bryson Lee, who ominously suggested that if they could start behaving like humans – for instance, being a bit more aggressive, it could make a world of difference.
Their struggle is far from over and until they reach the distinguished fame enjoyed by the likes of Moo Deng, Pesto and Bunny – the infographic who intrigues audiences with its ability to communicate via buttons, the road to stardom is a long and treacherous one.
In an unexpected turn of events, it has come to light that the seemingly adorable pair has already started getting personal. Francis, in a hushed tone, confessed that they somehow figured out her home address. And there are relentless, nightly calls from Moo Deng’s publicist who is kin on blaming her for the pair’s lack of recognition.
In the midst of this storm, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the pygmy hippos indeed seem to hold all the powerful cards. They are relentless in their pursuit for acknowledgment and when it comes to intimidation – they are leaving no stone unturned. And they are persevering despite their physical limitations – a lack of thumbs.
Indeed, the unique saga of Annie and Pogo seems to be just starting and has managed to put Lincoln Park Zoo on the world map in its own right. The tale sure spins a humorous twist on our conventional understanding of animal behavior, while opening up a provocative dialogue on their cognizance and demands for individual recognition.
