A two-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo-Deng has taken the internet by storm, becoming an internet sensation in Thailand and beyond. Videos of her playing, being sprayed with water, and nibbling on her zookeeper have gone viral, capturing the hearts of millions across Asia.
Moo-Deng has inspired cakes, artwork, and even a cosmetics chain promoting makeup inspired by her rosy cheeks and bright eyes. Her fame has led Time magazine to dub her an “Icon” and a “Legend”. Her popularity stems from a TikTok account dedicated to the hippos at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, which has 2.5 million followers.
Atthapon Nundee, a zookeeper at the zoo, began posting videos during the pandemic, with Moo-Deng attracting the most attention. Her siblings are named after various pork dishes, reflecting her playful and bouncy nature.
However, Moo-Deng’s popularity has raised concerns about her welfare, as tourists have been accused of disturbing her for photos. The zoo has installed surveillance cameras and increased security to protect her.
Pygmy hippos are listed as endangered, with only a few thousand remaining in the wild. Conservationists like Edwin Wiek advocate for focusing on the wild population rather than increasing numbers in zoo settings. Atthapon emphasizes the importance of educating people about endangered species through animals like Moo-Deng.
Overall, Moo-Deng’s rise to fame highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the pygmy hippo in their natural habitats.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com