The Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo officially announced today that its newest star, a female pygmy hippo calf, has been named ‘Moo Daeng’ (Red Pork) following a massive public poll that garnered over 370,000 votes.
The name "Moo Daeng" emerged as the runaway favorite, securing a staggering 350,000 votes.
The winning name beat out four other culinary-inspired contenders in the top five: Moo Wan (Sweet Pork), Moo Yong (Dried Shredded Pork), Moo Num (Tender Pork) and Moo Yor (Vietnamese Sausage).
The newborn is the daughter of mother ‘Moo Krob’ and father ‘Kanoon’. She also happens to be the niece of the world-famous ‘Moo Deng’ (Bouncy Pig), the viral sensation from Khao Kheow Open Zoo that sparked a global pygmy hippo frenzy last year.
According to zoo officials, ‘Moo Daeng’ was born on March 22 this year at 1.44pm.
During her one-month of health monitoring, veterinarians have confirmed that she is in excellent health, now weighing in at 14 kilograms.
