A Meme Queen — Baby Hippo In Thailand Zoo Goes Viral For Her Playful & Cute Antics
She's the "hipp-est" of them all.
While Malaysia has the oyen, Thailand has this adorable baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Born to be viral, Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo made her public debut at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri on 25 July.
Since then, she's become the latest viral sensation, capturing hearts with her adorable antics and memeable personality.
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Her name — translated as "Bouncy Pig" — was selected in a public voting campaign organised by the zoo, which had over 20,000 participants.
The zoo offered three name options: Moo Deng, Moo Daeng (Red Pig), and Moo Sab (Minced Pig). Ultimately, Moo Deng's name won and it really fits her. The tiny hippo has boundless energy, bouncing around her enclosure.
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Image via @khamoo.andthegang (TikTok)
Moo Deng has become particularly famous for her hilariously shocked and panicked expression. Her wide-eyed, startled look has been shared across social media, with fans affectionately dubbing her a "walking meme".
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
But don't let her cuteness fool you. Moo Deng has a bit of a diva side and, like some of us, she's not big on being touched
She especially hates being touched around her belly and ears.
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
In a series of clips shared by Moo Deng's zookeeper, she is the queen of setting boundaries.
Whenever her caretaker playfully attempts to touch her ears, she makes it clear she's not a fan by trying to bite him in response.
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Or she simply runs away.
Image via ขาหมู แอนด์เดอะแก๊ง (Facebook)
Sometimes, the tiny hippo even gives her caretaker a little nip on the finger when he tries to handle her during mealtime.
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Moo Deng's hilarious expressions and jigging moves have attracted many visitors who want to see her in person at the zoo
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Dubbed "Moo Deng's fans" by the zoo, there's often a big crowd surrounding her enclosure, taking pictures of the sassy hippo.
And for those wanting to take a piece of her meme-worthy charm home, the zoo has launched an exclusive Moo Deng-inspired clothing collection. The limited-edition merch includes a short-sleeved button T-shirt and palazzo pants featuring doodled flowers and, of course, Moo Deng's cheeky expressions!
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, was seen donning Moo Deng merch during his interview with a Japanese broadcast station today, 12 September.
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Moo Deng has become so loved by everyone that she's inspired everything from artworks to even a makeup ad
Sephora Thailand recently featured Moo Deng as the model for their blush campaign.
Watch adorable clips of Moo Deng with her zookeeper here:
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