Adorable Baby Hippo Moo Deng Becomes Overnight Celebrity

Moo Deng, the delightful baby pygmy hippo, has emerged as a sudden celebrity at the Thai zoo where she was born. Following her rise to fame, the spotlight has brought both joy and challenges, prompting officials to call for visitors to honor her privacy.

The two-month-old hippo has garnered massive attention on social media platforms, leading many clout-seeking visitors to flock to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Unfortunately, these fans often expect a performance and react poorly when Moo Deng chooses to rest. Reports have emerged detailing some visitors throwing items, such as shellfish, and splashing water on the young hippo to entice her to wake up.

Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi emphasized that such actions are detrimental and hazardous. He stated, "These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment."

The situation escalated to the point that the zoo installed security cameras in Moo Deng's enclosure. They have issued warnings regarding legal consequences for those who violate the guidelines.

The newfound fame of Moo Deng has drastically increased weekend attendance at the zoo. Numbers soared from around 3,000 to nearly 7,000, according to Thai PBS World. With only about 3,000 individuals remaining of this endangered species, the pressure on the zoo is significant.

Moo Deng's charming antics have transcended the zoo, with her videos attracting millions of views on social media. Some posts on the zoo’s Instagram page have reached up to 30 million views.

Even some major brands, such as Sephora Thailand, are promoting their products with campaigns inspired by Moo Deng. The brand encouraged its followers to "wear your blush like a baby hippo," further highlighting the hippo’s delightful impact on popular culture.