Meet Moo Deng, the Baby Hippo the Internet Can't Get Enough Of
Ah yes, another viral internet animal to claim as our own. It's one of social media's most precious longstanding traditions. Every month, we find a new cute thing to crown and amplify, that latest obsession to take the edge off the mundaneness of our days, that fuzzy anomaly amidst our insipid algorithmic feeds—in more modest terms, a fun distraction. We've gone from cats and dogs to gorillas and otters and more. This time, the emergence of a baby pygmy hippo from Thailand has our attention. And it's not hard to see how and why. This delightful creature is a star.
Moo deng is never dry or calm???? pic.twitter.com/EgUpj64Ad3
— Nature is Amazing ?? (@AMAZlNGNATURE) September 19, 2024
Born to hippo parents Jona and Tony (we're getting really unserious here), Moo Deng is the two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus that has been quite the sensation since its birth last July 10, 2024. For some reason, it stood out from the rest of its siblings at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Thailand.
Its likeness would be appropriated for memes, posters, and even tourism campaigns (a Sephora Thailand ad, for instance, told its shoppers to wear their blush like the baby hippo; meanwhile, the Embassy of Thailand in Tokyo would also invoke Moo Deng in its promotional materials).
Because of her immediate popularity, the zoo held a public poll to name her. Fittingly, Moo Deng's other siblings are named Moo Toon Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork). These complement the other common hippo found at the zoo by the name of Kha Moo (stewed pork leg). One big porky family. As a result, we get Moo Deng, which literally translates into "bouncy pork" in Thai.
unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing#moodeng pic.twitter.com/W6IegMFO5A
— kristina???? (@kristinakovv) September 16, 2024
Thinking about Moo Deng again pic.twitter.com/6GE97vGLRE
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) September 19, 2024
Anyway, here's everything you need (strong word but yes) to know about this month's new internet star.
Moo Deng, the Social Media Sensation
moo deng’s keeper every day: https://t.co/ZfjNHQpJky pic.twitter.com/BpZHrIP3fg
— ????vic appreciation day???? (@mocalmangeal) September 16, 2024
The only way to find Moo Deng is to go to its enclosure in Thailand.
By now, Moo Deng has become heralded as a symbol for the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. It even announced that it might soon be patenting and trademarking "Moo Deng the hippo"; the good news is that the zoo plans to use funds from the commercialization of the animal's name for its other programs. At the very least, we've been assured that it's not another soulless money grab for money grab's sake.
The zoo itself has had its followers skyrocket since its zookeepers started posting more about Moo Deng's screaming, annoyed face. As it stands, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has more than 50,000 followers on X and more than 400,000 followers on Facebook.
moo deng is a lifestyle icon and i need all of yall to get onboard:
— House ?? gf haver (@mrmatthouse) September 11, 2024
- inexplicably moist at all times
- slightly blurry in most photos
- probably screaming or sleeping
- round pic.twitter.com/VtgOPf1PAS
Like many of these internet phenoms, Moo Deng's popularity stems from, well, its beautiful face. Oftentimes, she's seen eating, sleeping, screaming, rolling around, and causing all sorts of drama and problems for her keepers. Hence, her presence in fan art, zoo merchandise, stan accounts, and memes. Just in case you're wondering, yes, Moo Deng has a Wiki page, too. She's legit. And as the average Gen Zer says, we can't help but stan.
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As a pygmy hippo, Moo Deng's breed is listed as an endangered species. There are said to be around 2,000 to 3,000 of them left outside in their natural habitat. These hippos are so rare that they are only found in four countries in West Africa. Deforestation and pollution continue to leave them with nowhere else to go. We, nevertheless, should take solace in the fact that Moo Deng was one of seven hippos born earlier this year.
After seeing this assault I’m convinced that Moo Deng deserves her own secret service pic.twitter.com/ObaO12gBF6
— greg (@greg16676935420) September 18, 2024
I’m obsessed with Moo Deng pic.twitter.com/v53CZS6fSF
— ???? (@twaniimals) September 18, 2024
What Not To Do When Meeting Moo Deng
we have to give moo deng a gun https://t.co/rkkG5ZP49C
— van helsing off a perc ???????? (@damnit_d4ve) September 18, 2024
Unfortunately, having such a huge fan base has its downside. With visitors to the zoo more than doubling, Moo Deng has fallen victim to unruly visitors harassing her. Despite numerous warnings, some individuals keep throwing bananas, shellfish, and other objects at the adorable animal to get her attention. This has led personnel from the zoo and Moo Deng's stans to call for better safety measures and precautions.
15 min 24 hour
— kate bush's husband (@airbagged) September 19, 2024
mandatory work Moo
zoom call Deng
livestream https://t.co/ucoDiS76wf pic.twitter.com/9OFV0zOfdC
In a statement recently, Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi explained that the zoo had already begun installing surveillance cameras around Moo Deng's enclosure. “These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment," the director explained. This means that it can now legally apprehend those who continue to violate the zoo's standards and etiquette.
