If you scroll through TikTok often, you’ve likely come across Moo Deng, the tiny pygmy hippopotamus who’s capturing hearts and flooding social media with her unbearable cuteness.
The Cutest Little Star of The Moment
Moo Deng, a two-month-old female, resides at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand’s Chonburi Province. Her name, chosen through an online poll, translates to “little bouncy pig” or “pork meatball.” Her playful and sometimes grumpy personality has made her a star, with thousands of fans tuning in to watch her on TikTok, where she’s often seen with her mother, Juna. Whether she’s splashing in the water or showing off her chubby, shiny figure, Moo Deng never fails to live up to her adorable nickname.
@khamoo.andthegang Baby hippo #hippo #ขาหมูแอนด์เดอะแก๊ง ♬ เสียงต้นฉบับ – ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง
Her fame has grown so much that the zoo had to set a five-minute limit for visitors, with groups capped at 30 to 50 people, to manage the overwhelming crowds. On top of this, the zoo has faced challenges with unruly visitors—some have been caught throwing objects or water to get the baby hippo’s attention, disregarding her nap times.
“These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous,” said Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director. “We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Since Moo Deng’s birth in July, the zoo’s visitor numbers have doubled. On weekdays, attendance averages between 700 and 800 people a day, while weekends draw crowds of 6,000 to 7,000, according to the Bangkok Post.
Moo Deng’s popularity has also led to a range of merchandise, including hippo-themed shirts and pants, available both at the zoo and online. Brands like Sephora are even jumping on the trend, promoting a blush to mimic Moo Deng’s rosy cheeks. Even the Royal Thai Embassy acknowledged the little fella!
🦥
今回は、タイでいま話題の「ムーデン」をご紹介します。バンコクから車で1.5時間くらいのチョンブリー県カオキアオ動物園で、７月10日にコビトカバの赤ちゃんが生まれました。
動物園が名前投票をした結果、ムーデンという名前に決定。
ムーデンは、ミートボール（豚肉のつみれ）とい意味です🤭… pic.twitter.com/cFVlv8X5fG— Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo (@rtetokyo) September 12, 2024
Moo Deng’s rise to TikTok stardom highlights a serious threat
However, despite her overwhelming charm—she’s racked up over 33 million views on a single video—Moo Deng’s story highlights a much more serious issue. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species. According to the San Diego Zoo, they are found in only four West African countries, and it’s estimated that fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild. Deforestation and polluted rivers are major threats to their survival.
“The majority of remaining pygmy hippos are believed to be in Liberia, with some populations possibly in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast,” states the Pygmy Hippo Foundation. A Nigerian subspecies is now thought to be extinct, as there have been no sightings for decades.