A two-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has captured the hearts of millions online, amassing a massive fan base in Thailand.
Moo Deng’s adorable antics have also drawn crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bangkok, where visitors eagerly flock to catch a glimpse of the charming animal.
Moo Deng became an internet sensation after the zoo’s keepers began sharing his daily life on social media. His natural charisma and cuteness have quickly won over the public.
According to Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo’s director, visitor numbers at the zoo have surged by 30% due to Moo Deng’s growing popularity.
However, Narongwit issued a warning regarding disruptions caused by overenthusiastic fans.
In one incident, a tourist poured water on Moo Deng, and in another, a visitor threw a shell at him while he was resting.
The name “Moo Deng” translates to “bouncing pig” in Thai, reflecting the hippo’s playful nature.
Pygmy hippos, according to the UK-based Pygmy Hippo Foundation, are smaller relatives of the common hippopotamus and are classified as endangered.
Only around 2,000 pygmy hippos remain in the wild, mostly in the forests of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.