Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, is quickly becoming a global media sensation and attracting an ever-growing number of fans from around the world.
On Friday, Time magazine published a glowing article, declaring that Moo Deng had won the hearts of millions of internet users through videos showing her playful interactions with water, being carried by zookeepers, or simply basking in the sun.
The headline from Time magazine proclaimed, “Meet Viral Baby Hippo Moo Deng: She’s an Icon.” The subheading added, “She’s a Legend, and She Is the Moment,” accompanied by numerous tweets and videos.
Coverage of Moo Deng has expanded to include The Guardian, the BBC, the Straits Times of Singapore, and multiple Japanese TV channels such as Fuji Television and ANN.
Her popularity in Japan has inspired fans to create numerous artworks and even cakes modeled after her.
Responding to the increasing fanbase, Khao Kheow Open Zoo quickly launched a line of shirts and shorts featuring Moo Deng, available for purchase online, while a dedicated fan club provides regular updates on her activities.
Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo director, noted that Moo Deng primarily sleeps, except during her bath time between 8 AM and 9 AM and during her mother’s feeding time at 2 PM.
He also made a plea to visitors to avoid disturbing the young hippo by throwing objects at her while she sleeps, to ensure her safety.
In response to concerns, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around her enclosure and is prepared to take legal steps if necessary to protect its animals.
