Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo, has captured hearts across the world after videos of her life at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo went viral.
Story Summary:
- Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng has gone viral, becoming a major attraction at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
- The zoo has seen a 30% increase in visitors since videos of the hippo were shared online.
- Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are a critically endangered species, and Moo Deng’s birth is a conservation success.
These baby pygmy hippos are the new viral sensation in Thailand
The adorable baby hippo, known for her pinkish cheeks and playful antics, has drawn millions of views online and significantly increased foot traffic to the zoo.
According to Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo’s director, visitor numbers have risen by 30% since Moo Deng’s videos were posted.
Moo Deng’s charm lies in her playful behaviour, with popular videos showing her eating grapes, rolling in the mud, and interacting with her handlers.
One particular video of her yawning and enjoying a chin rub has accumulated nearly 6 million views on Facebook.
Fans can’t get enough of Moo Deng, with one calling her a “superstar reincarnated as a hippo.”
While Moo Deng’s viral fame has been great for tourism, the zoo has urged visitors to treat her with care.
Some inappropriate behaviour from tourists prompted the zoo to warn that they would take legal action against anyone harming the baby hippo.
Key facts about pygmy hippos you must know
Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily found in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast.
Unlike their larger relatives, the common hippopotamus, pygmy hippos are smaller and more solitary.
Here are some key facts about pygmy hippos:
- Size: Adult pygmy hippos weigh between 180 to 275 kg and grow up to 80 cm tall.
- Diet: Pygmy hippos are herbivores, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, and grasses.
- Habitat: They prefer dense forest environments, using rivers and swamps as a means of transportation and cooling off.
- Conservation status: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists pygmy hippos as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
The birth of Moo Deng represents a significant success for the zoo’s conservation efforts, especially as these hippos are so rare in the wild.
