Social media bursts with humor over viral hippo Moo Deng’s playful ‘endorsement’ of Trump

Thailand’s viral baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, has become the center of an unexpected online sensation following a playful “prediction” in favor of Donald Trump for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

In a lighthearted event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Moo Deng selected a watermelon with Trump’s name over one with Kamala Harris’s, sparking widespread humor across social media. Users quickly took to Twitter with a flurry of comedic remarks and satirical “endorsements” attributed to Moo Deng, despite her lack of political understanding.

Some tweets humorously defended the hippo, with one user posting, “She’s a hippo! She doesn’t understand politics! She just likes cake! Leave her alone!” Others jokingly suggested the need to “clear Moo Deng’s name,” with one comment reading, “I know she would never vote for a Republican.

The original video, shared by the New York Post, quickly went viral and has attracted international engagement, bringing Moo Deng even more popularity. While the hippo’s “endorsement” was staged purely for fun, it has stirred a playful mix of political satire and comedic commentary, offering audiences a light-hearted moment during a highly charged election period. Moo Deng’s popularity has also led to a surge in zoo attendance, with thousands flocking to see her after her “prediction” video.

This humorous online response highlights how social media often transforms lighthearted events into viral moments, with Moo Deng’s fans continuing to spread her fame through creative and comedic interactions.