Baby Hippo Steals the Spotlight — But Not All Reactions Are Positive

Move Over, Fiona! Moo Deng the Baby Hippo Takes Center Stage

Forget Fiona—there’s room for more than one charming hippo online! Moo Deng, a 2-month-old pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, is capturing hearts around the world. Her name, meaning “bouncy pig” and also referring to a popular chewy pork dish, reflects her lively personality. Recently, Time magazine hailed her as "a legend" and "the moment."

While zoo staff always believed Moo Deng was something special, her impact has exceeded their expectations. Since her birth in July, the zoo has seen a surge in visitors, but not all of them are treating her kindly. Disturbing videos online show some visitors throwing objects and splashing water on her while she sleeps, attempting to wake her.

“These actions are not only cruel but also dangerous,” stated Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director. In response, the zoo has installed security cameras and warned that they will take legal action against any offenders. Despite the increased attention and positive press surrounding Moo Deng, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has faced criticism in recent years for its swimming elephant shows. Critics have accused the zoo of using harsh methods to train elephants, allegations the zoo has denied.

Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee shared with the Guardian, “The moment I saw Moo Deng born, I aimed to make her famous, but I never imagined her popularity would extend so far.”