A baby hippo is going viral - and paying the price

In Thailand, a baby hippopotamus named Moo Deng is capturing the hearts of many and becoming a social media sensation. Moo Deng, whose name translates to 'bouncy pig,' is a two-month-old female pygmy hippo born in July at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located near Pattaya. Since her arrival, the zoo has seen a remarkable increase in visitors, with numbers doubling as people flock to catch a glimpse of this adorable creature. However, the zoo's director, Narongwit Chodchoi, has expressed concerns about the behavior of some visitors. He has noticed troubling videos circulating online that show people mistreating Moo Deng. Some visitors have been throwing shellfish and splashing water on her in an attempt to wake her up, which is not only cruel but also poses a risk to her well-being. In response to these incidents, Mr. Narongwit has urged visitors to act responsibly and respect the animals' space. He emphasized the importance of providing a safe and comfortable environment for Moo Deng and her fellow animals. To ensure their safety, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around the enclosures and has warned that legal action may be taken against those who mistreat the baby hippo. He also advised that the best time to visit Moo Deng is when she is awake and active, allowing for a more enjoyable experience for both the visitors and the animal. Pygmy hippos, also known as dwarf hippos, are native to West Africa and are classified as 'endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Experts estimate that there are fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild, making Moo Deng's birth even more significant. Her small size and round shape have made her an internet darling, with many fans expressing their admiration on social media. One user on X stated, 'I’m obsessed with Moo Deng - I’ve been thinking about this queen all day long,' while another remarked, 'I don’t know anything else going on in the world right now except for Moo Deng. ' The Khao Kheow Open Zoo has capitalized on the excitement surrounding Moo Deng, with 128 out of their last 150 social media posts featuring her. They have also introduced a range of merchandise, including hippo-themed clothing, available for purchase both at the zoo and online. Other brands have joined in on the trend, with beauty retailer Sephora launching a line of Moo Deng-inspired blushes, allowing customers to 'wear your blush like a baby hippo. ' One of these blushes is priced at THB 1,590, which is approximately $47. 70. Moo Deng's popularity has also reached traditional media outlets. Recently, she made her international television debut when a crew from the All-Nippon News Network, a Japanese TV station, visited the zoo to film a segment about the beloved hippo. The Royal Thai Embassy has also embraced Moo Deng's fame, sharing posts about her on their social media channels. On Thursday, they wrote, 'She's very energetic and her cute appearance is soothing. ' Moo Deng's rise to fame is a testament to the joy and fascination that animals can bring to our lives, and her story continues to inspire many around the world.