A Meme Queen — Baby Hippo In Thailand Zoo Goes Viral For Her Playful & Cute Antics
She's the "hipp-est" of them all.
By Celine Low — 12 Sep 2024, 01:36 PM
While Malaysia has the oyen, Thailand has this adorable baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng
Born to be viral, Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo made her public debut at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri on 25 July.
Since then, she's become the latest viral sensation, capturing hearts with her adorable antics and memeable personality.
Her name — translated as "Bouncy Pig" — was selected in a public voting campaign organised by the zoo, which had over 20,000 participants.
The zoo offered three name options: Moo Deng, Moo Daeng (Red Pig), and Moo Sab (Minced Pig). Ultimately, Moo Deng's name won and it really fits her. The tiny hippo has boundless energy, bouncing around her enclosure.
Moo Deng has become particularly famous for her hilariously shocked and panicked expression. Her wide-eyed, startled look has been shared across social media, with fans affectionately dubbing her a "walking meme".
But don't let her cuteness fool you. Moo Deng has a bit of a diva side and, like some of us, she's not big on being touched
She especially hates being touched around her belly and ears.
In a series of clips shared by Moo Deng's zookeeper, she is the queen of setting boundaries.
Whenever her caretaker playfully attempts to touch her ears, she makes it clear she's not a fan by trying to bite him in response.
Or she simply runs away.
Sometimes, the tiny hippo even gives her caretaker a little nip on the finger when he tries to handle her during mealtime.
Moo Deng's hilarious expressions and jigging moves have attracted many visitors who want to see her in person at the zoo
Dubbed "Moo Deng's fans" by the zoo, there's often a big crowd surrounding her enclosure, taking pictures of the sassy hippo.
And for those wanting to take a piece of her meme-worthy charm home, the zoo has launched an exclusive Moo Deng-inspired clothing collection. The limited-edition merch includes a short-sleeved button T-shirt and palazzo pants featuring doodled flowers and, of course, Moo Deng's cheeky expressions!
Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, was seen donning Moo Deng merch during his interview with a Japanese broadcast station today, 12 September.
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
