A pygmy hippo born quietly in Thailand on July 10 soared to fame in just a few short months this year, establishing herself as an international superstar. Her name is “Moo Deng”.
In Thailand, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the media buzz around the super-cute toddler hippo. But Moo Deng’s adorable antics at Khao Kheow Open Zoo have also won her millions of fans across the globe, inspiring countless memes along with fan art over the past five months.
A superstar is born
No cameras were on hand to record the moment when Moo Deng’s mother, Jonah, gave birth in her enclosure at the Chon Buri zoo. Back in July, no one knew a baby pygmy hippo would rise to the kind of animal stardom once reserved for giant pandas.
Moo Deng is not the first pygmy hippo to be born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Jonah was already the mother of Moo Wan and Moo Tun, half-siblings to their famous sister. Like Moo Deng, they were also given playful names inspired by traditional Thai pork treats.
In August, the zoo launched a poll to choose a name for its newest arrival. Clips of the baby playing in her enclosure, nuzzling her mum, and waddling away from hose spray were shared online to spark ideas for a name. The cute showreel went viral on social media, earning her a worldwide following.
The name chosen in the online poll matched her character. Moo Deng is considered more energetic and playful than most baby hippos.
Thailand’s latest tourist attraction
Moo Deng is attracting thousands of tourists each day, with local and foreign visitors flocking to Chon Buri for a personal audience with the global star.
Ride-sharing app Grab declared that demand for taxi trips to Khao Kheow Open Zoo has risen by 267% since she became a celebrity.
In early October, a group of businesspeople flew from Dubai to see Moo Deng in the flesh, showing their devotion by donating 5 million baht (about US$146,000) to the zoo.
Moo Deng has made headlines across the world, including in the United States. Late last month, the Los Angeles Times published a report headlined, “Moo Deng is a worldwide phenomenon. How long can this global love affair last?”.
The New York Times, meanwhile, named Moo Deng a style icon of 2024, alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig and the singers Beyoncé and Adele.
The baby hippo’s popularity has spawned merchandise, new drinks, and souvenirs. She has also inspired a slew of artistic creations.
Google has even created a Doodle in Moo Deng’s honour, while also featuring her in its “Year in Search 2024” as one of the most popular searches this year.
The gaming universe has also fallen for the pygmy hippo’s charms, with “Final Fantasy XIV” and “World of Warcraft” integrating a Moo Deng character into their realms.
She has also leant her name to good causes, fronting the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand’s campaign for flood victims and animal welfare.
Hippo New Year!
The ongoing festive season sees Moo Deng join the Bangkok Illumination Festival 2024 as its mascot. From December 17 to January 5, Moo Deng and her hippopotamus army are illuminating nine iconic locations across the city with dazzling light & sound displays.
Hua Lamphong railway station, for example, features Moo Deng in Japanese-monster guise as “Dengzilla”. Over at Benjasiri Park, “Deng in the Park” invites visitors to enjoy a festive light show and cheerful picnic-like atmosphere.
2024 will be remembered as the year of the pygmy hippo – when the world fell head over heels for an adorable baby from Thailand.
