Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has become an internet sensation. However, this growing online attention has zookeepers worried.
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pig,” garnered online media attention thanks to a series of small clips and photos shared by zoo staff.
Many of these clips show the baby hippo showing a “shock, gasping” expression whenever she is undergoing anything, from zookeepers holding her to being sprinkled with water.
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One of the most popular clips of Moo Deng is when a zookeeper pats her on the chin and yawns in response. The clip alone has garnered more than 5 million views.
“It is her natural cuteness, her behavior that attracts tourists,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy told reporters.
Thanks to the popularity of the baby pygmy hippopotamus, the zoo’s number of visitors has increased by at least 30%. While the growing number and attention brought positive benefits to the zoo, they also led to a series of unnecessary actions.
Narongwit has even warned visitors, urging them to be considerate of the animals.
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“Some tourists behaved inappropriately. One person poured water on her while another threw a shell onto Moo Deng when she lay on the floor,” he said.
In light of the situation, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around the enclosure for the animals’ safety. The director even added that the zoo would take legal action if anyone caused harm to the young hippo.
“We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment,” he added.
Pygmy hippos, also known as dwarf hippos, are found in West Africa. They are classified as an endangered species, with fewer than 2,000 individuals left in the wild. While online attention plays a part in spreading awareness, it is always important to treat animals with respect.
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