Kirbie Johnson, a beauty podcast host, surprised partygoers at the Solawave House Halloween party in Los Angeles by dressing up as viral sensation Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippopotamus that captured the internet’s heart.
Through social media, Johnson shared the creative journey she undertook to embody the famous hippo, with the help of designer Ally McGillicuddy. Together, they crafted a detailed hippo head and used body paint to complete the transformation.
Of Course, A Moo Deng Costume

“I knew the world’s most beloved pygmy hippo had to be my costume this year,” Johnson told People magazine.
“Everything was done in a week, which was challenging because there aren’t any Moo Deng costumes or baby hippo prosthetics out there, so we improvised. Ally is a genius and spent four hours on this transformation,” she explained, describing the challenges they faced in recreating the unique look.
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Johnson also shared some of the hilarious difficulties she encountered throughout the night. “I brought a straw from my Stanley Cup at home just to sip a cocktail. I couldn’t eat all night, and at the end, I even stuffed some charcuterie up my nose,” she joked.
But Johnson not the only one with the idea-though she is the one with the most elaborated costume.

Moo Deng became a social media sensation last September after videos of her at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Zoo went viral, and it’s obvious that a lot of people would want to dress up as the adorable baby.
Her irresistibly cute appearance, paired with her love for playfully biting anything in sight, quickly won over fans worldwide.

Now, internet’s favorite hippo is the new Halloween costume sensation! Don’t you love it?
@ashreereyes happy halloween from boo deng #fyp #moodeng #halloween2024 #xyzcba ♬ original sound – Arthur072L
