Visitors are flocking in droves to catch a glimpse of the internet’s latest sensation: Moo Deng, the utterly adorable pygmy hippo causing quite the stir at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri. This cuteness overload has caused unprecedented crowds eager to see the baby hippo in person, making Saturday an absolute zoo—literally. The photo that captured this viral phenomenon was brilliantly taken by Nannalin Tiengtae.
Fans of Moo Deng, arguably the globe’s most beloved baby hippo, will be thrilled yet slightly constrained, as the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has instituted a maximum viewing time of five minutes per visitor. “Why the rush?” you might ask. Well, let’s just say the little celeb has been basking in the limelight ever since she graced the pages of Time magazine and several other prestigious international publications.
Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi reported an overwhelming turnout, with over 12,000 people showing up. Traffic was jam-packed for a solid two hours in the morning, as throngs of fans made their way to the zoo, located roughly 35 kilometers northeast of Pattaya. To control the crowds, zoo staff have wisely capped group sizes at 30 to 50 people for each five-minute interaction.
But don’t worry; there’s more to see than just Moo Deng! To accommodate the swarms of visitors, the zoo has thoughtfully laid out a scenic pathway that leads to other charismatic residents, like capybaras, elephants, and adorable penguins. And if that’s not enough to quench your wildlife cravings, hold tight because the zoo’s about to launch a 24-hour live stream of Moo Deng’s antics on its Zoodio live streaming channel. That’s right! The feed is expected to go live next week, bringing back memories of the legendary TrueVisions Panda Channel that once enraptured an entire nation with Lin Ping’s exploits over a decade ago.
Plus, there’s even more reason to get excited! Funds from Moo Deng merchandise sales will be channeled directly into improving the zoo’s habitats. Mr. Narongwit encourages all visitors to follow the guidelines and be respectful towards the incredible animals, making sure not to disturb the other enclosures.
On Friday, Time magazine published an in-depth tribute to Moo Deng, detailing how this charming pygmy hippo has captured hearts worldwide. Millions of internet users have swooned over videos showcasing her playful spirit, whether she’s being doused with water, lovingly carried by zookeepers, or simply reclining in the warm sun.
It’s no surprise, given that Moo Deng’s name fittingly means “bouncy pig” in Thai. Born on June 10 to pygmy hippo parents Jona, 25, and Tony, 24, Moo Deng is living up to her delightful moniker in every possible way.
So, if you plan to join the Moo Deng fever sweeping the globe, remember the viewing guidelines and soak in the broader experience that Khao Kheow Open Zoo has to offer. This little hippo is one sensation you wouldn’t want to miss!
It’s great to see people get excited about wildlife, but are we sure this isn’t bad for Moo Deng’s health?
Exactly! All these crowds could be stressing her out. Animals shouldn’t be exploited for profit.
Moo Deng probably enjoys the attention. Some animals thrive on interaction!
Joe, that’s possible, but the stress of constant attention might outweigh any enjoyment. We need to think about long-term well-being.
This is just another example of humans messing with ecosystems for their own entertainment. When will we learn?
Chill out, jungle_guy. Zoos often help with conservation and education. Plus, it’s not like they are releasing her into the wild where she could be in danger.
*If* they use the funds raised properly, it could benefit the zoo overall. But we should still scrutinize how Moo Deng is treated.
Awww, I think it’s adorable! Can’t wait for the live stream! Sometimes a bit of positivity is much needed.
Exactly! Everyone’s always so negative. This little hippo is bringing joy to so many people.
True, but at what cost? We need to balance human enjoyment with healthy animal treatment.
Totally agree, Lily. I just hope the zoo is mindful of Moo Deng’s needs too.
12,000 people? That’s insane! How is the zoo managing that kind of traffic?
With a lot of difficulty, it sounds like! Blocking traffic for hours is problematic not just for the zoo but for the entire community.
I visited and it was a magical experience. They seem to have everything under control and very professional.
The last time I saw such dedication to an animal was with Lin Ping the panda. This does bring back memories!
Good point! Lin Ping captured hearts globally too. Maybe this is just human nature.
I’m skeptical about how much of the merchandise funds actually go to the zoo and the animals. Transparancy is key!
Agreed. Zoos need to be transparent about their finances to gain public trust. Hopefully, they’ll show proper records.
I think Moo Deng looks super happy in every video and picture! Stop worrying so much. Enjoy the cuteness!
It’s easy to assume happiness based on snapshots, but we don’t know everything going on behind the scenes.
True, but animals can exhibit signs of contentment that experts look for. Hopefully, the zoo staff are trained to recognize those.
Good point, Larry. I’m sure they treat her well…I hope so anyway.
It’s nice to see a zoo taking steps to improve their facilities. Fundraising through popular animals might be a necessary evil.
Honestly, zoos are a double-edged sword. They educate the public but can also serve as prisons for animals. Still, if it raises awareness, it’s something.
The five-minute limit seems too short. If I travel all the way there, I’d want to spend more time with Moo Deng.
The limit is probably to prevent stress on Moo Deng. No point in causing harm for a longer viewing time.
I’m planning a family trip to see her. My kids are so excited! Who knows when such an opportunity will arise again?
It’s disgusting how people exploit animals for profit. Moo Deng should be in a sanctuary, not a zoo crowded with people.
Realistically, sanctuaries also need funds to operate. At least the zoo is trying to use the hype to improve their habitats.
Does anyone know if the zoo offers any behind-the-scenes tours? I’d love to learn more about how they care for the animals.
The live stream sounds awesome! I’ll be watching it 24/7.
Yeah, live streams can be a double-edged sword too. They often ignore the less glamorous aspects of animal care.