Oh, baby! A baby hippo in Thailand has taken the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation and even inspiring Sephora to post about blush that makes people “blush like a baby hippo.”
Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand, about two hours from Bangkok, has the internet and the world in a stranglehold with her chubby, pink cheeks, belly roll and sweet expression.
The two-month-old animal, whose name means “jumping pig” in Thai, has millions of fans on social media who follow her clumsy adventures, including trying to nibble on her owner despite having no teeth.
Watch: Cute, soft pygmy hippo baby Moo-Deng becomes a viral sensation
Two-month-old Moo-Deng attracted attention after videos of her were posted online.
Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng was born on June 10 to Jona, 25, and Tony, 24, and two other siblings, Pork Stew and Sweet Pork, at the Chonburi zoo, reported NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. She is the hippo couple’s seventh child and also the sister of Moo Toon, another famous hippo, reported Pattaya Mail. Moo Deng is also the granddaughter of Thailand’s oldest hippo, Malee, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday. According to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the average life expectancy of pygmy hippos is 27 years.
Pygmy hippos are a small species of hippopotamus native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. They are known to be solitary and nocturnal, but can sometimes be found in small family groups. Adults grow to between 75 and 90 centimeters tall, about 1.5 meters long, and weigh between 160 and 270 kilograms. Pygmy hippos are now considered endangered, according to the Alliance, with possibly fewer than 3,000 remaining in their natural habitat.
Zoo attracts thousands of visitors
Moo Deng’s internet fame has also translated into a real-life celebrity: the zoo attracts thousands of visitors every day just to catch a glimpse of her.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narungwit Chodchoy told Reuters the zoo usually receives about 800 visitors a day during the rainy season, “the off-season.” After Moo Deng became famous, 3,000 to 4,000 people now come to the zoo on weekdays, and nearly 20,000 visitors come on weekends, Chodchoy said, adding that most of them came just to see Moo Deng.
“Moo Deng fever means we need to be better organized so that all visitors can see her,” Narungwit told the media outlet.
According to Pattaya Mail, Narungwit has also issued strict orders against those harassing Moo Deng after videos of visitors throwing water and seashells at the baby dwarf were shared on social media. Staff presence has been increased during peak hours and surveillance cameras have been installed.
Moo Deng: “A lifestyle icon”
Moo Deng has inspired several commercials, including those by Sephora Thailand and the NBA’s Utah Jazz. Internet users have dubbed her a “lifestyle icon.”
Contributors: Reuters, Maria Francis, USA TODAY NETWORK
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
