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Heartwarming Adventures of Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

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Moo Deng during feeding time with her mother Jona at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. (Photo: Jetjaras Na Ranong)

The heartwarming saga of Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo and internet sensation, continues to charm people around the world. Nestled at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Moo Deng has amassed a fanbase as colorful and dynamic as her playful personality. However, her newfound fame has also sparked concerns among her admirers regarding her wellbeing.

Benz, more formally known as Auttapon Nundee, the loving zookeeper who takes care of Moo Deng, recently addressed these concerns in a heartfelt message on their Facebook page, “Khamoo and the Gang.” With a mixture of humor and sincerity, Benz sought to reassure fans that Moo Deng is thriving under his care.

Intriguingly named Moo Deng, which translates to “bouncy pig,” this little hippo has captured hearts far and wide with her adorable antics. Yet, as videos of her playful shenanigans flooded the internet, some fans began to worry. They questioned whether Benz’s interactions were too frequent, suspecting that the little hippo might need more downtime.

Clarifying the situation, Benz explained that his time spent with Moo Deng is mainly confined to necessary activities like daily cleaning and feeding. “I must clean the pool and ensure they’re well-fed,” he wrote, referring to both Moo Deng and her mother, Jona. Far from being excessive, these interactions are crucial, he stressed.

One might wonder what it’s like to take care of such a high-profile baby hippo. According to Benz, the routine involves cleaning tasks, meticulous feeding schedules, and a whole lot of patience. “Of course, I wait about 20 minutes while they finish eating,” he shared, adding a touch of daily routine that is as essential for the hippos as it is adorable to imagine.

For those lucky enough to visit the zoo, they would see firsthand that Moo Deng enjoys plenty of sleep throughout the day. “Visitors know she sleeps a lot,” Benz commented, dispelling any myths about her being overplayed or tired.

Benz emphasized the importance of building a bond with Moo Deng, stating that becoming familiar with her caregiver is necessary for future medical or care needs. “Familiarity will make it easier to handle her when she needs help in the future,” he pointed out.

In an era of viral sensations and digital celebrities, Moo Deng stands out not just for her cuteness but also for the genuine love and care she receives from her zookeepers. It’s a touching reminder of the bonds that form between humans and animals, bringing a bit of joy—and perhaps a lesson or two—to everyone’s day.

So next time you catch a clip of Moo Deng bouncing around, rest assured that behind the scenes, there’s a devoted caregiver ensuring she’s happy, healthy, and ready to steal the show again. And who knows? Maybe your next visit to Khao Kheow Open Zoo will let you witness this delightful duo in action.

31 Comments

  1. Larry D September 18, 2024

    This is lovely, but I’m concerned that constant human interaction might stress out Moo Deng.

    • grower134 September 18, 2024

      Come on, human interaction can actually benefit animals by making them less afraid of people. This is just harmless fun.

      • Rita Collins September 18, 2024

        Not necessarily, grower134. It depends on the animal and the context. Overexposure to humans can indeed stress certain species.

    • Larry D September 18, 2024

      Sure, grower134, some interaction is good, but balance is key. I just hope they’re mindful of that.

  2. Eliza H. September 18, 2024

    Moo Deng is adorable! I think it’s great she’s getting so much attention. Makes people care about conservation more.

    • Mark12 September 18, 2024

      Totally agree, Eliza. These viral stories do wonders for conservation awareness. Maybe more zoos should follow suit.

    • Hannah D September 18, 2024

      But is it morality right to keep these animals in captivity purely for human entertainment?

      • Joe September 18, 2024

        Hannah, the zoo provides them with safety, medical care, and an environment free from predators. So it’s a mixed bag.

      • Eliza H. September 18, 2024

        It’s a tough question, Hannah. But in captivity, they often live longer and healthier lives compared to the wild.

  3. Megan O’Reilly September 18, 2024

    It’s heartwarming to see the bond between Benz and Moo Deng. More stories like this, please!

  4. RandyB September 18, 2024

    These zookeepers are like heroes to me. Imagine dedicating your life to caring for animals like Moo Deng.

    • Tommy22 September 18, 2024

      True, RandyB! But I wonder if they get paid enough for this level of dedication. Doesn’t seem like an easy job.

    • RandyB September 18, 2024

      Good point, Tommy22. They deserve more recognition and better pay for sure.

  5. Felicia September 18, 2024

    Am I the only one who thinks these viral animal videos are becoming too much? It feels exploitative at times.

    • Sarah L. September 18, 2024

      I get what you’re saying, Felicia, but if it’s done responsibly and with care, I don’t see the harm.

    • ProfessorRex September 18, 2024

      There’s an ethical line, Felicia. It’s a balance between raising awareness and ensuring the welfare of the animals.

  6. Sarah L. September 18, 2024

    I really want to visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo now! Moo Deng sounds like a darling!

    • John P. September 18, 2024

      Same here! It’s top of my bucket list now.

  7. Mila September 18, 2024

    I’m glad to hear Moo Deng is doing well, but what happens when she grows up? Will she be returned to the wild?

    • Dr. Sandra September 18, 2024

      Most likely not, Mila. Animals raised in captivity often lack the necessary skills to survive in the wild.

  8. Shane34 September 18, 2024

    This article made my day! Kudos to Benz and the team at Khao Kheow.

  9. Theo September 18, 2024

    I think the zoo’s doing a kick-ass job with Moo Deng. Plus, this helps in creating emotional bonds with people.

    • Akira September 18, 2024

      Absolutely, Theo! Emotional bonds can drive people to support conservation efforts.

  10. ConservationFan September 18, 2024

    More power to zoos like Khao Kheow! They’ve got a tough job and do it so well.

  11. Sally H. September 18, 2024

    How can I donate to the zoo to support Moo Deng’s care?

    • ConservationFan September 18, 2024

      Check their official website, Sally H. They usually have donation options.

  12. Larry D September 18, 2024

    Still worried about her, but glad to see so much support for these little creatures.

  13. AmandaK September 18, 2024

    I guess these viral stories have their pros and cons. It’s important to be nuanced about it.

  14. Leah M. September 18, 2024

    We need more Benzes in the world! His dedication is inspiring. Let’s support such zookeepers.

  15. David Lewis September 18, 2024

    How are they tackling the challenges of keeping a pygmy hippo in a zoo? There’s gotta be unique issues.

  16. CaringHeart45 September 18, 2024

    Great read! I feel more informed about the life of zoo animals now.

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