Moo Deng: A hippo with star power

In a world where cats and dogs reign supreme as the internet's go-to animals for memes and viral content, one hippo has broken through the clutter with a splash—literally. This pygmy hippopotamus, better known as Moo Deng, has waddled, splashed, and downright belly-flopped on our screens and directly into our hearts.

Born to hippo parents Jonah and Tony on 10 July 2024, our baby hippo's name was chosen through a public poll, with over 20,000 people voting for 'Moo Deng,' translating to 'bouncy pork' or 'bouncy pig'.
 
All baby hippos are cute, but why has 'Moo Deng' become such a sensation? The zookeeper of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand believes it's due to Moo Deng's adorable nature, combined with the current social media boom. Tourists love taking photos and videos and posting them on TikTok, allowing many people to see the cuteness of this little hippo, which has gone viral and reached audiences abroad. 
The internet can turn anything—or anyone—into a star these days. Enter Moo Deng, a rotund, grey mass of adorableness whose 'chonky' body and quirky antics have captured the attention of millions. Unlike her more ferocious cousins in the animal kingdom, Moo Deng's charm lies in her innocence, clumsiness, and tendency to nap in the most inconvenient places.
 
The internet gateway is one viral clip and that's how Moo Deng got our attention as well. Picture this: The zookeeper was cleaning the mother-daughter duo when he stopped and gently squeezed the baby hippo's face, placing her in a bowl of food where she happily chomped away at the vegetables. It was adorable, funny, and instantly shareable. The video spread faster than a TikTok dance craze, and soon, Moo Deng became the newest viral superstar.
 
Hippos are an unusual candidate for internet fame. They are large, not particularly cuddly, and their natural habitats do not exactly scream 'Instagrammable.' Yet, Moo Deng has proven that hippos can indeed capture the collective affection of the online world. Maybe it is the juxtaposition of their fearsome reputation with Moo Deng's hilarious antics, or maybe it is just the internet's endless fascination with 'chonky' animals. Either way, Moo Deng is now in a league of his own.
 
People love laughing at Moo Deng's sheer size and the fact that she doesn't seem to understand it herself. There's something inherently funny about a creature that's both intimidating and absurdly cute. A hippo that could easily knock over a small car but instead just wants to belly-flop into a puddle.
 
But Moo Deng's fame isn't just about physical comedy. Her personality shines through in every post. Whether she's napping with a smile or lazily blinking at the camera as if contemplating life's deepest mysteries, Moo Deng has the uncanny ability to be relatable. Let's face it, who among us hasn't wanted to lie down in a pool of water and let the world pass by? Moo Deng is living the dream, and we're all just here to watch.
 
If you have been following Moo Deng's rise to fame, you know that his journey from a simple hippo to an internet icon is still evolving. One of 'Sephora's' outlets in Thailand decided to seize this opportunity to hype their best blushes so that people can get that 'pink glow' Moo Deng naturally has. 

Along with selling merchandise, Khao Kheow Open Zoo plans to trademark its star hippo Moo Deng's image and draw attention to endangered species through this fame. The baby hippo Moo Deng has a 24-hour livestream now.
 
As long as the internet loves a good splash, Moo Deng will ride the wave of meme fame. Long may he plop.