Moo Deng, a delightful and playful baby pygmy hippo, has captured hearts worldwide, becoming a viral sensation shortly after her birth in late June at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. Her adorable antics, coupled with her bouncy demeanor, have rocketed her to internet superstardom, turning her into an unlikely global icon. (Photo: Reuters)
Recognizing the immense buzz around Moo Deng, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has decided to trademark the name “Moo Deng the Hippo.” This strategic move, as explained by the zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi, aims to ensure that the newfound fame of this enchanting hippopotamus translates into tangible benefits for the zoo. “One of our primary goals is to prevent the commercial exploitation of Moo Deng by unauthorized entities,” Narongwit shared with The Associated Press, a story that made its way to the pages of Time magazine.
Narongwit elucidated how the funds generated through this strategy would be reinvested into the zoo, enhancing the welfare of all the animals residing there. “The benefits we accrue will be funneled back to improve the lives of all our animals,” he added, underscoring a commitment to transforming Moo Deng’s fame into a beacon of positive change.
Over the past five years, Moo Deng’s keeper, Atthapon Nundee, has been chronicling and sharing heartwarming moments from his work with the zoo’s inhabitants online. Yet, even he couldn’t have foreseen the viral explosion triggered by Moo Deng’s arrival. “It was way beyond my expectations,” Atthapon admitted to The AP. “I just wanted people to get to know her, to watch her online, to leave fun comments. Never in my wildest dreams did I think she’d become this big.”
The internet has turned Moo Deng into a memetic marvel, her pictures and videos spreading like wildfire. From American pro sports teams to European football clubs, her likeness has been utilized creatively and humorously by numerous organizations seeking to capture the public’s attention. One particularly enterprising fan even designed a T-shirt promoting her as a presidential candidate in the US elections!
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— shirts that go hard (@shirtsthtgohard) September 20, 2024
Mr. Narongwit sees a golden opportunity in this burgeoning fame—a chance to generate revenue that could significantly bolster the zoo’s conservation efforts. The 800-hectare sanctuary, home to over 2,000 animals, including many under breeding programs helmed by Narongwit, stands to benefit immensely. The pygmy hippo, native to West Africa and currently threatened by poaching and habitat destruction, remains a critical focus. With fewer than 3,000 left in the wild, every effort counts.
To capitalize on Moo Deng’s popularity and raise crucial funds, the zoo is launching a line of Moo Deng merchandise, starting with T-shirts and pants set to hit the shelves by the end of the month. Additional products are also in the pipeline, promising fans a way to support their beloved hippo while contributing to conservation.
The surge in Moo Deng’s popularity has translated into an influx of visitors to the zoo. So intense is the interest that the zoo has had to implement 5-minute visit slots to her enclosure on weekends to manage the crowds efficiently.
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— U.S. Department of Labor (@USDOL) September 20, 2024
Moo Deng’s story is not just one of a baby hippo becoming an unexpected celebrity. It’s a story of how the unifying joy and love for a charming animal can transcend geography, bringing people together while supporting a greater cause. Thanks to Moo Deng, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo is seeing a renaissance—one in which the well-being of all its animals, great and small, can thrive.
Wow, what a heartwarming story! It’s great to see Moo Deng’s fame being put to good use.
I agree! But should we really be commercializing animals like this?
As long as the funds are helping conservation, I don’t see the harm.
Exactly, if it improves the zoo and helps endangered species, I’m all for it.
Seems like another gimmick to me. Do you really think the money will be used properly?
Cynical much? Zoos often rely on such funds for meaningful projects.
This is so cute! But 5-minute slots for seeing the hippo? That seems a little extreme.
It’s to manage the crowd. Better a short visit than not seeing her at all.
I get it, but maybe they need to find a better way to organize it.
Trademarking the name ‘Moo Deng the Hippo’ sounds like they’re more interested in the money than the conservation.
Can’t believe people are making T-shirts with her face to promote her as a presidential candidate. That’s just crazy!
Hey, if it brings attention to the pygmy hippos’ plight, why not? They need all the help they can get.
The zoo should be focusing more on educating people about conservation rather than selling merchandise. Education will have a longer-lasting impact.
Merchandise is a foot in the door. Once people are interested, then the education can happen.
I just hope Moo Deng herself is being well taken care of amidst all this attention.
Agreed, the zoo must ensure her welfare first and foremost.
Exactly, the focus shouldn’t shift entirely to making money.
Zoos have veterinarians and experts; I’m sure they can handle it.
This story is proof that internet fame can have real-world positive impacts.
Or it can just as easily turn into a media circus with no real benefits.
I visited Khao Kheow Open Zoo last year. It’s a fantastic place and I’m glad it’s getting more recognition.
Hippos are dangerous animals. I hope the zoo is prepared for any risks associated with more visitors.
The shirts that go hard account tweeting about Moo Deng is hilarious. Shows how widespread her fame has become.
It’s interesting to see how a cute animal can unite people from different interests.
Less than 3,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild? That’s alarming. This kind of awareness is much needed.
Yes, and that’s why initiatives like this are important!
This is just a glorified PR campaign. How much of the money raised will actually go towards conservation?
Most zoos have a transparent financial process. It’s not fair to judge them without knowing the full details.