This baby pygmy hippo is causing a fan frenzy all over the internet, and we can’t get over it.
She’s moist, plumpy, sassy, and loves to scream and sleep. She is Moo Deng, Thailand’s new rising diva.
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Since her public debut at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand on July 25, Moo Deng, who was only two weeks old then, has captivated many hearts all while remaining unbothered and bullying zookeepers.
Her name, which translates to “bouncy pork,” was chosen during an online poll conducted by the zoo—Moo Sap (minced pork) and Moo Daeng (red pork) were other contenders.
Ceramicist and content creator Yammi Sarcino was at least partially responsible for the feisty Moo Deng’s rise to stardom after he translated the poll into English, thus, attracting a wider audience to be captivated by this moist, slippery princess’ charm.
With her well-documented growth, the playful baby hippo has been dubbed “the most beautiful girl in the world.”
Moo Deng stands next to her mother Jona at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo
An icon in just two months
Moo Deng is an icon, a moment we thought we never needed.
The pudgy, viral princess is a menace popular for splashing water, bouncing or “deng,” perpetual screaming, biting and bullying caretakers, and mimicking her mother, Jona. She really is a “bouncy pork.”
In her still-short life, the hippo royalty has garnered an increasing number of zoo visitors. And she’s just starting her career on being the iconic, unbothered princess that she is.
Moo Deng watching her mother Jona eating at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo
In addition to drawing attention to the zoo and raising funds with merchandise, Moo Deng’s popularity has made it possible for people to learn about endangered pygmy hippos. Human activities like logging and mining have damaged the species’ forest home. Fortunately, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo assures the public that Moo Deng and the other animals are safe, well taken care of, and protected.
With all the spotlight on Moo Deng, there are unfortunately hiccups. Rude visitors began throwing things at the hippo to grab her attention.
The zoo has tightened security and warned against such actions, installing CCTV cameras, adding security features around Moo Deng’s enclosure, and threatening legal actions against those who harass the baby hippo.
Can’t get over the Moo Deng frenzy? You can watch a CCTV livestream of the baby hippo as she goes on her daily adventures of screaming, sleeping, frolickingbetmpv, and keeping herself moisturized.