Thu Sep 19 08:22:28 UTC 2024: ## Baby Hippo Moo Deng Becomes International Internet Sensation
**CHONBURI, Thailand** – Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become an internet sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with her adorable antics.
The baby hippo, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, was first introduced on the zoo’s Facebook page just a month ago. Since then, her popularity has exploded, with fans both in Thailand and internationally falling in love with her playful personality and charming appearance.
Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee, who has been sharing videos and photos of the animals in his care for five years, never anticipated Moo Deng’s meteoric rise to fame. “I wanted people to know her, to visit her, or watch her online,” said Atthapon. “I never would have thought (of this).”
Moo Deng’s popularity has brought a surge of visitors to the zoo, with lines forming well before opening hours. Fans have even taken to creating memes and artwork featuring the baby hippo, with her image appearing on social media platforms and even commercial products.
Recognizing the potential for commercial exploitation, the zoo has begun copyrighting and trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo” to ensure her image is not misused. The zoo is also selling Moo Deng merchandise to raise funds for its conservation efforts, including breeder programs for endangered species like Moo Deng’s.
The pygmy hippopotamus, native to West Africa, is threatened by poaching and habitat loss. There are only an estimated 2,000-3,000 left in the wild.
Despite her immense popularity, Moo Deng is still just a baby, and the zoo has had to limit public access to her enclosure to ensure her wellbeing. The zoo is also taking steps to address concerns about aggressive visitors who have attempted to wake up the sleeping hippo.
To cater to fans who cannot visit the zoo in person, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is planning to launch a 24/7 live stream of Moo Deng in the coming week. This will allow fans around the world to continue to enjoy the antics of this adorable baby hippo.
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