A recent addition to Khao Kheow Open Zoo has captured the hearts not just of the people of Thailand but across the globe. Since her birth just a couple of months ago she has had a strong presence on Instagram, Facebook,TikTok, and YouTube, with many clips of this adorable baby, pygmy hippo going viral.

The name Moo Deng translates to “Bouncy Pork” (a type of Thai meatball) which perfectly encapsulates the chubby, round appearance of this cute little baby.From the moment she was born fans began sharing videos, memes, and photos, further boosting her popularity to become a global sensation. Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee has been posting cute moments of the animals in his care for about five years. However he never imagined that the zoo’s newborn pygmy hippo would become an internet megastar within just weeks.

Discover Pattaya went to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo to see if crowds were really flocking there to see this adorable animal and can report that yes many had even travelled for 2 hours from Bangkok to get a glimpse. We also wanted to check on reports that some visitors had been annoying the calf, throwing items to stir her into action because like most newborns Moo Deng likes to sleep a lot. But while we were there everyone – even the youngest children, were extremely patient and well behaved. Everyone waited on the bridge in a very orderly manner until their viewing time,limited to a strict 5 minutes, was allowed by the keeper with his loud hailer.

Hippo mothers are known to be fiercely protective of their young and Moo Deng’s mother Jona is no different. She keeps a close watch ensuring her baby stays safely close by and communicates through soft grunts and gentle nudges, bringing oohs and aahs of satisfaction from the crowds. So popular is this cute baby hippo, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi has said that they have begun copywriting and trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo” to prevent the animal from being commercialised by anyone else.“After we do this, we will have more income to support activities that will make the animals’ lives better,” he said.

The zoo sits on 800 hectares (almost 2,000 acres) of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals. It runs breeder programs for many endangered species and as Moo Deng continues to grow she will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. Hippos are currently facing threats from habitat loss and poaching, making the work of wildlife sanctuaries crucial for their survival. By raising awareness about Moo Deng and her species, this charming ambassador will help to educate the public about the challenges hippos face in the wild.

Baby hippo Moo Deng is a young hippopotamus whose story has captured the hearts of many, Born in zoo this adorable baby hippo quickly became a symbol of the need to protect both hippos and their fragile habitats. The name “Moo Deng” Though hippos are known for their fearsome size and aggressive nature, they are increasingly threatened by human activities, including encroachment on their natural habitats, illegal hunting for their ivory teeth, and conflicts with agricultural communities.

Moo Deng’s narrative can serve as a microcosm of the conservation efforts underway to protect hippos and their ecosystems. Hippos play a vital role in maintaining the health of rivers and lakes by feeding on grass and other vegetation to help to clear paths in water systems. However their environments are increasingly under threat from deforestation, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo 235 หมู่ 7 ต.บางพระ อ.ศรีราชา จ.ชลบุรี, Bang Phra, Thailand, Chon Buri open 8a.m.- 5 pm daily