The two-month-old baby pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has captured the hearts of millions online with her irresistibly cute and feisty demeanor. Known for her dramatic expressions, this tiny hippo has become an internet sensation, particularly for her “screaming face” reactions.
Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has captured the hearts of millions online with her irresistibly cute and feisty demeanor. Known for her dramatic expressions, this tiny hippo has become an internet sensation, particularly for her “screaming face” reactions. Whether being sprayed with water, carried by zookeepers, or just lying on the ground, her exaggerated and often petrified looks have endeared her to social media users around the world. Her playful antics and expressive personality have made her an instant favorite among animal lovers, turning her into a viral star. The attention has extended beyond typical wildlife fans, with organizations like the Utah Jazz and Sephora Thailand incorporating Moo Deng into their social media content.
However, the sudden surge in Moo Deng’s popularity has also resulted in some challenges for the zoo. Increased visitor numbers have led to incidents of inappropriate behavior, such as visitors pouring water on her and throwing objects. In response, zoo officials have limited public viewing of Moo Deng to just five minutes on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure her safety and well-being.
Born on July 10—of course she’s sensitive, she’s a Cancer!—Moo Deng was unveiled to the public on July 25. Moo Deng’s name, meaning “bouncy pig,” was chosen through an online vote with over 20,000 participants. According to the zoo, her mother Jona is 25 years old and her father Tony is 24 years old. She joins six other siblings as the seventh baby hippo born to her parents at the zoo.
Obsessed with this one baby hippo that looks fucking MORTIFIED pic.twitter.com/0fE6BB5Kju
— Rel (RobotFucker) (@DewEnjoyer) September 6, 2024
The pygmy hippo is an endangered species, with only about 2,000-2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in West African countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. Their population continues to decline due to habitat destruction and hunting, making the birth and care of pygmy hippos like Moo Deng crucial for the species’ survival.
A TikTok account showcasing animals at the zoo has attracted over 2.7 million followers and has been posting Moo Deng videos. These hippo fan videos have also been receiving millions of views on Instagram.
