The fame of the iconic pygmy hippo ‘Moo Deng’ has reached new heights after a Buddhist centre in Chonburi province has produced an amulet in the shape of the calf.
News of the Ananburaparam Religious Centre in Sri Racha District introducing Moo Deng amulets has gone viral across social media platforms.
The centre stated that income from amulet sales will be used to purchase necessities for the centre.
The amulet, named "Moo Deng, the Wealth Attractor," is available in eight different materials, including gold, silver and copper.
Many Facebook pages include images of Buddhist monks chanting over the Moo Deng amulets, possibly to increase their sacred power.
Supakit Thongsa-art explained that he intends to create 3,000 amulets in the shape of the hippo from Chonburi's Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
He plans to distribute the amulets to friends and those who donate to the centre.
Prices for the amulets range from Bt200 to Bt2,500, with the price of the gold version yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, Attaporn Srihayrun, director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, emphasised that Moo Deng is simply a pygmy hippo and does not possess any special power to attract wealth.
“What the public should focus on is helping to protect animals, the environment and nature,” he added.
While he has no objections to businesses using Moo Deng's image on items like clothing, bags and shoes, he expressed concern about the promotion of amulets.
No laws currently prohibit this, he said, but he wants to caution the public against believing that such amulets could bring wealth.
Attaporn also called on the Consumer Protection Board and the National Office of Buddhism to investigate, suggesting authorities educate the public on what is appropriate and what is not.
