Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng's internet fame raises concerns at Thai zoo

Moo Deng, a viral pygmy hippo, has become an internet sensation, but zoo officials are worried about her safety.

Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has gained internet fame for her adorable antics, with videos of her chewing and napping garnering millions of views. Named after a vote by over 20,000 children and tourists, Moo Deng’s rise to stardom has extended to cosmetics and bakery promotions, with companies like Sephora using her image for their "pink & peachy tone" blush.

Despite the excitement surrounding her, zoo officials have expressed growing concern about her safety. Some visitors have thrown water and objects at the hippo, prompting the zoo to limit her public viewing to weekends and restrict each session to five minutes. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi told local media, "These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous... We must protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment."

Moo Deng’s popularity has skyrocketed on social media, with TikTok videos of her receiving millions of views. However, her caretakers remain focused on safeguarding the young hippo, who belongs to an endangered species, with fewer than 2,000 believed to be in the wild.