Mad about Moo Deng
She’s only 2 months old, but she’s already conquered the world.
Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus born in Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo on July 10, has become a viral sensation, thanks to her adorable and funny photos and videos on social media.
Even naming her was an event, with 20,000 people participating in choosing “Moo Deng” which means “bouncy pork.” She certainly has bounced her way into many hearts.
Her name is also synonymous with a meatball dish in Thailand (pork patty, really)—quite appropriate, too, for this adorable meatball.
Moo Deng has become more than just a viral phenomenon. She’s a superstar—a huge achievement, considering she’s asleep most of the day.
People from all over the world have been obsessing over the chubby, cheeky, slippery baby hippo with a penchant for biting zookeepers. Those lucky to be near enough have gone for visits to see her in Chon Buri, a one- or two-hour drive from Bangkok, while other Moo Deng fans gush over her, create stan accounts and make memes, fan art, edits and more.
People post photos of her with sweet and funny captions.
“The most beautiful girl in the world.”
“Moo Deng STUNS in new photos.”
“Moo Deng is a lifestyle icon and I need all of y’all to get onboard: inexplicably moist at all times, slightly blurry in most photos, probably screaming or sleeping, round.”
“Unbothered. Moisturized. Happy. In my lane. Focused. Flourishing. #MooDeng.”
It girl
On the Today Show, Hoda Kotb called Moo Deng the “hottest, hottest, newest it girl on the planet,” saying, “She’s redefining beauty standards, she’s got chubby pink cheeks, a distinct potato shape.”
There is much to love about Moo Deng. Her chaotic energy. Her rolls. Her cheeks. Oh yes, those pink cheeks—so pink they inspired Sephora in Thailand to release a “Wear Your Blush Like A Baby Hippo” guide so people can achieve that flushed look.
Government agencies, an airport, airline, restaurants, tech companies and others have joined the fun, posting their own Moo Deng memes.
People have edited her onto and into movie posters, movie scenes, famous artworks and historical events. They’ve drawn, painted, crocheted and 3D printed her. There’s even crypto inspired by her.
The zoo is patenting and trademarking Moo Deng. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi told Time, “After we do this, we will have more income to support activities that will make the animals’ lives better.”
They’ve released a line of merch that sold out instantly. There’s also a 24-hour livestream on the Zoodio website (zoodio.live/th/animals/4) so Moo Deng fans can get their dose of the baby hippo (and her mom Jona) anytime they like. They’ve even released Moo Deng’s schedule: “Sleep on land.” “Sleep in the water.” “Sleep for a long time.”
But fame is a double-edged sword and just like in any fandom, there are some bad apples here. Some zoo visitors were seen splashing water and throwing stuff at Moo Deng in an attempt to get her attention and wake her up—actions the zoo has spoken against. The zoo put up signs in Thai, English and Chinese as a deterrent and the backlash over the news of people mistreating the baby hippo also seemed to help. No one has thrown stuff at Moo Deng since, the zoo reported.
Good. Protect Moo Deng at all costs.
Pygmy hippos, which are native to West Africa, are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. In 2008, IUCN estimated that there are only 2,000 to 3,000 of them left in the wild—but even then, they suggested that that figure could be too high.
It is the hope of conservationists that all this attention on Moo Deng can lead to awareness and more efforts in the protection of the endangered species.
Perhaps seeing all the attention Moo Deng has been getting, zoos in other parts of the world have been posting about their own pygmy hippos. The reactions from Moo Deng fans have been funny.
“Fritz we love you but you don’t have to be so thirsty let Moo Deng have her moment.”
“All these other zoos trying to steal Moo Deng’s heat.”
There is another animal that’s been getting a lot of love as well—but no, it’s not a pygmy hippo. It’s a penguin, over in Australia, at Sea Life Melbourne.
His name is Pesto and he’s a giant baby penguin. He’s so big he already towers over his foster parents at just 9 months. Mashable has referred to him as “the Yao Ming of penguins.” According to Sea Life Melbourne’s Instagram account, he is the largest penguin chick they’ve ever had. The brown and fluffy chonky boy is an absolute unit.
He’s increasing visits to the aquarium. Even Katy Perry went to see him.
Consider this your warning. Just like Moo Deng, he will waddle his way into your heart.
Plastic and the paradox of development