The baby hippo Moo Deng, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, has captured hearts worldwide just months after being unveiled by the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province, Thailand. Her playful antics and energetic bouncing have made her a social media sensation, with her images featured in memes, sports promotions, and business campaigns.
Moo Deng's popularity surged even more with the release of the catchy song Moodeng Moodeng, produced by renowned Thai composer Mueanphet Ammara and released by GMM Music.
Available in Thai, English, Chinese, and Japanese, the 50-second track includes simple lyrics like “Moo Deng Moo Deng, boing boing boing/ Mommy mommy, play with me.” The accompanying music video showcases Moo Deng playing, bouncing, and bonding with her mother, Jona. The song is available on major platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
A Boost for Zoo Visits and Conservation
Since Moo Deng’s rise to fame, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has seen a spike in visitors, up to 5,000 people visiting daily. The zoo has also launched Moo Deng-themed merchandise, including clothing and bedding, further boosting revenue.
According to CNA Lifestyle, the zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said, this income will support endangered species breeding programs, particularly for the pygmy hippopotamus, which faces the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching.
The hippo, Moo Deng, initially went viral after her keeper, Atthapon Nundee, posted clips of her daily activities. To everyone's surprise, the videos quickly gained traction, attracting millions of viewers and sparking global attention.
The Rare and Endangered Pygmy Hippo
Though Moo Deng resides at a zoo in Thailand, she belongs to a rare species native to West Africa. She is a Pygmy Hippopotamus, a species much smaller than regular hippos and currently facing the threat of extinction.
According to Beautynesia.id, the population of pygmy hippos in the wild has dwindled to just around 3,000 individuals, making them critically endangered.
This unique background further adds to Moo Deng’s charm, as she represents one of the last remaining members of this endangered species. Through her viral fame, Moo Deng has helped raise awareness about the plight of pygmy hippos, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
