A terminally ill Thai boy had his final wish fulfilled when he met viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The six-year-old boy, Nong Auto, had been battling terminal cancer and dreamed of meeting the famous hippo in person.
Moo Deng, whose name means "bouncy pork" in Thai, became a social media sensation after her birth in July 2024. Her playful personality and viral photos made her a major attraction at the zoo, drawing double the usual number of visitors. Despite her growth over the past year, Moo Deng remains beloved by fans across Thailand and beyond.
In late 2024, Auto’s doctors reached out to the zoo to express the boy’s wish. The zoo responded with open arms. In January 2025, around Lunar New Year, Auto finally met Moo Deng. Photos from his visit were shared by the zoo’s official Instagram on June 2, showing a joyful moment that included not only Moo Deng but also capybaras. Auto even chose a capybara souvenir to take home.
The zoo’s emotional post described Auto as “bright, cute, and talkative,” with doctors on hand to care for him during his visit. They added, “Everyone wanted to do their best for him.”
Sadly, the zoo later confirmed that Auto had passed away. “We didn’t think it would be so soon,” they wrote. The post has since received over 15,000 likes, with comments from fans offering condolences and appreciation for the heartwarming gesture.
Moo Deng’s joyful spirit and Auto’s touching story highlight the powerful connection between animals and people, even in life’s most difficult moments.
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