The internet has a new sensation, and it’s not a movie star, government leader, or athlete; it’s Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo living in a Thailand zoo, who has captivated audiences around the globe with her charm and playful demeanor.
At just two months old, Moo Deng is quite the sensation. Named after the Thai words for ‘bouncy pork’, the diminutive creature eagerly interacts with her keeper in the enclosure at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand, often pretending to bite, bouncing about, and imitating her parent. Her endearing antics of trying to surmount the slanted edge of her swimming area or unexpectedly sliding due to her glossy body have garnered countless views and sent hearts racing worldwide.
Moo Deng maintains an irresistible allure, effortlessly combining mischief, playfulness, anger, sassiness, and innocence. She even frequently displays a gamut of expressions, from grumpy-cute to a sassily stern face, further fueling her relatability. When not relishing belly rubs or napping, she exhibits her defiant side, appearing to yell in protest or attempt to frighten anyone within view.
The tiny, grey, blush-cheeked hippopotamus has led to an impressive surge in the visitor headcount at the Thai zoo, with attendance tripling as audiences clamor to meet the internet’s newest sweetie face-to-face.
Remarkably, Moo Deng’s influence isn’t limited to just boosting zoo footfall or being a meme staple. She’s also inspired a wide array of merchandise offerings, from cakes and espresso art to outfits and even cosmetic tutorials. There’s even an emerging beauty trend named for her – the blush-and-glaze Moo Deng look.
The exponential growth of Moo Deng’s popularity came to a head when beauty product company Sephora leveraged the trend, using a Moo Deng reference to promote blush products in Thailand. In return, the zoo has begun the process of copyrighting and trademarking Moo Deng to prevent unofficial commercialization of the animal.
Zoo personnel are appreciative of the revenue opportunities this newfound fame presents. The Director of the zoo has said that the increased profit will enable them to undertake more activities that enhance the animals’ quality of life. They also plan on selling Moo Deng merchandise, including clothes, with the proceeds contributing to their endangered species breeding initiatives. After all, Moo Deng herself is a pygmy hippopotamus, a species indigenous to West Africa, which counts merely 2,000 to 3,000 members remaining globally.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame has certainly surpassed even the zookeeper’s wildest dreams of her making headlines internationally. The zookeeper never imagined that Moo Deng’s charm would resonate so powerfully with audiences worldwide, generating an overwhelming gleeful frenzy.
Despite the excitement surrounding Moo Deng, her sudden stardom has also attracted unwanted attention. Incidents of harassment, such as people showering her with water, have prompted the zoo to implement additional safety measures. Signs warning against throwing objects at Moo Deng have been installed, and surveillance cameras monitor the area to ensure her safety.
Despite a few instances of mistreatment, the overwhelming reception towards Moo Deng has been of joy and adoration. So, if you’re looking for a way to brighten your day, go through Moo Deng’s adorable snippets on social media. You’re guaranteed grins, a happier heart, and relatable memes.
