At the height of X’s popularity (really, back when it was still Twitter), it seemed like we couldn’t get through a week without the advent of some new viral, internet-friendly animal, from the Cincinnati Zoo’s Fiona the Hippo (she takes showers, guys!) to Koko, arguably the world’s most iconic gorilla. Unfortunately, genuinely fun animal content has really taken a hit online lately, which might explain why the arrival of Thai pygmy hippo Moo Deng has captivated the world. Below, find everything you need to know about Moo Deng, the girl we all wish we could be.
Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, is a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus who has been stealing hearts ever since she was born on July 10, 2024. She’s one of seven babies born to proud hippo parents Jona and Tony, and at the risk of offending her siblings, who can definitely read and have Vogue web subscriptions, she’s pretty clearly the star of the show: She’s become a Utah Jazz meme and even inspired a Sephora Thailand campaign urging shoppers to “wear your blush like a baby hippo.” What greater honor could there be for a baby animal?
Where does Moo Deng live?
Moo Deng’s current residence is Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, which has become overrun with visitors hoping to get a glimpse at the baby hippo. According to a social media post from the zoo, visitors are now being limited to five-minute windows of hang time with Moo Deng, in part due to instances of people throwing objects or pouring water on her. As zoo director Narongwit Chodcho told a local paper: “These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.” (It’s worth noting that Moo Deng’s breed of pygmy hippo is an endangered species, with only about 2,000 of them left in the wild.)
Why has Moo Deng become such a viral sensation?
Moo Deng’s cuteness speaks for itself—she’s a curvy, shiny, wet-eyed glamour queen—and online, her loyal followers have devotedly posted pictures of the hippo doing everything from bathing to eating to seemingly screaming into the void. In the span of about a week, she’s become an icon for our addled times.