Moo Deng (Thai: หมูเด้ง, Thai pronunciation: [mǔː dêŋ], lit. 'Bouncy Pork') is a Thai pygmy hippopotamus living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo who gained notability in September 2024 as a popular Internet meme after images of her went viral online.
_-_img_02.jpg) Moo Deng in September 2024 | |
| Species | Pygmy hippopotamus |
|---|---|
| Sex | Female |
| Born | 10 July 2024 Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Si Racha, Thailand |
Life
editMoo Deng was born on 10 July 2024 to parents Jonah and Tony. Her name was chosen through a public poll, with over 20,000 people voting for "Moo Deng", translating to "Bouncy Pork".[1]
Khao Kheow Open Zoo posted images of its hippopotamuses on its official Facebook page, and Moo Deng quickly became a favorite among fans.[2] Moo Deng is noted to be more playful and energetic than other hippopotamuses. In response to her popularity, the zoo announced that it would sell clothing and other merchandise featuring designs based on Moo Deng.[1][3] Other companies have produced merchandise based on Moo Deng, including a cake shop called Vetmon Cafe, which created a realistic cake shaped like her.[4] Additionally, Sephora posted a makeup tutorial inspired by her.[5][6] Moo Deng has become the subject of many pieces of fan art.[7]
Due to Moo Deng's viral online popularity, the number of daily visitors to the zoo doubled in early September 2024.[5] Some visitors harassed Moo Deng by splashing her with water[6][8] and throwing objects at her to wake her up. As a result, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo installed security cameras around her enclosure and the zoo's director threatened legal action against visitors who harassed her.[9][10][11] The harassment of Moo Deng by visitors has been widely condemned online.[12][13] Additionally, the zoo implemented a five-minute time limit for visitors to see Moo Deng to accommodate the high volume of visitors.[14]
References
edit
- ^ a b "Pygmy hippo calf captures hearts at Khao Kheow Open Zoo; fans show interests in pants". Pattaya Mail. 10 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Baby pygmy hippo the star at Chon Buri zoo". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Viral Pygmy Hippo 'Moo Deng' Boosts Khao Kheow Open Zoo Visitors". Khaosod English. 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Cake of 'Moo Deng' the baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo too cute to eat". Pattaya Mail. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ a b March, Nick (13 September 2024). "Moo Deng: Thailand zoo's celebrity baby pygmy hippo". BBC News. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Baby Hippo named Moo becomes viral sensation". NBC News. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
- ^ Moo-Deng: the two-month-old baby pygmy hippo becoming an online giant. Guardian Australia. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Viral Thai baby hippo Moo Deng harassed by visitors, zoo chief vows action". The Straits Times. 12 September 2024. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ Mather, Katie (12 September 2024). "Baby hippo goes viral on TikTok, doubles Thai zoo's visitor count". Yahoo News. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Zoo asks 'Moo Deng' fans to behave". Bangkok Post. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ "Zoo chief vows action against visitors harassing popular baby hippo". nationthailand. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ Tanakorn, Aim (11 September 2024). "Some Netizens Concerned on How Some Visitors Treat Beloved Baby Hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi". The Pattaya News. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
- ^ Ewe, Koh (13 September 2024). "She's an Icon, She's a Legend ... She Is Moo Deng". TIME. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
- ^ Na Ranong, Jetjaras; Tiengtae, Nannalin; Hutasingh, Onnucha (14 September 2024). "Five-minute limit set on Moo Deng visits". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 14 September 2024.