In a playful and unusual take on U.S. election predictions, Thailand’s viral baby hippo, Moo Deng, has "predicted" Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 U.S.presidential election by selecting a watermelon marked with his name.
The event took place at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, where zookeepers set up two watermelons, each carved with the name of a candidate: Trump and Kamala Harris. Moo Deng’s choice quickly garnered attention after the New York Post shared a video on its Twitter account, leading to widespread online amusement and surprise.
Moo Deng has become a social media sensation since her debut, attracting fans worldwide with her playful nature. Her name, which translates to "bouncy pork" in Thai, was chosen by fans through an online poll. According to zookeeper Atthapon Nundee, clips of Moo Deng’s energetic behavior are shared frequently, boosting her popularity and driving visitor numbers to the zoo.
Viral baby hippo Moo Deng predicts Trump will win based on which cake she eats. pic.twitter.com/N8RkE5q7dx
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2024
The rise in Moo Deng’s fanbase has significantly impacted Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s attendance. Weekday visitors have increased from around 800 to over 4,000, while weekend attendance now exceeds 10,000. The influx has introduced crowd management challenges as fans gather to catch a glimpse of the baby hippo.
While Moo Deng’s watermelon selection is merely a playful prediction, it has brought attention to the zoo and added a lighthearted moment to the 2024 election season. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo continues to attract visitors, capitalizing on Moo Deng’s viral status to promote wildlife conservation and education.
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