Viral News: Her adorable face is enough to brighten anyone’s day. From her rosy cheeks to her adorable antics, the internet has melted at the sight of this charming creature.
Meet Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo and now an online sensation from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
Several videos of Moo Deng being sprayed with water or showing her cute reactions when picked up by a zookeeper are lifting netizens’ mood.
She became an internet darling after her caretaker, Atthapon Nundee, shared several videos of her.
The 31-year-old zookeeper said in an interview with a media outlet: “While tourists have played a role in Moo Deng’s online popularity, her lively personality has also contributed to her fame. The moment I saw Moo Deng born, I set out to make her famous, but I never expected it to spread overseas. I thought she might be famous in Thailand, but not internationally.”
Moo Deng was born on July 10 and first went public on July 25. He became an internet star for his lively personality. His name translates to “jumping pig” or “pork burger.”
The baby hippo’s adorable and endearing mannerisms have inspired art, memes and branded products. Sephora Thailand also took notice and embraced the trend by promoting a campaign with the slogan “wear your blush like a baby hippo.”
Growing fame is a cause for concern
The hippo’s newfound fame has worried her keeper, who is visited by hundreds of people every day. Reports of visitors throwing food at her and pestering her to get her attention have raised concerns.
In response, the zoo has installed surveillance cameras and urged visitors to respect the animals. Pygmy hippos are a critically endangered species, with a 1993 study estimating fewer than 3,000 left in the wild. Pygmy hippos are herbivores that eat roots, leaves and fruits, native to West Africa. They are known for their unique ability to stand on their hind legs to reach food.
Moo Deng’s story serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to protect these rare species. “I hope Moo Deng’s cuteness will raise awareness for people to come and learn about [the species]“Atthapon said.
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