Prepare for a hefty dose of cuteness overload at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where “Moo Deng,” the baby pygmy hippo, has become the star attraction! According to Attaporn Sriheran, the director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPOT), this tiny bundle of joy is set to captivate hearts for the next few months. But don’t worry, the zoo has already got exciting plans to keep the buzz alive, although Mr. Attaporn prefers to keep the next baby star a mystery for now.
This adorable two-month-old dynamo has single-handedly turned the usually tranquil zoo into a hub of excitement, especially in Chon Buri’s Si Racha district. Last weekend alone saw an unprecedented influx of curious visitors, pushing the count to a whopping 15,000 from the usual 2,000-3,000. The spectacle of Moo Deng prancing around is something no one wants to miss.
“The surge in visitors is phenomenal, and I expect this trend to continue for at least another three months,” said Mr. Attaporn. “Both weekdays and weekends have seen an upswing in numbers as people flock to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng.”
To accommodate the burgeoning crowd, the zoo has extended its operating hours from 7am to 5pm, a full hour earlier than usual. This provides ample time for eager visitors to line up and secure their tickets for a day of family fun.
What’s even more fascinating is how Moo Deng has turned into a global media sensation, amassing a growing international fan base. The name “Moo Deng” translates to “bouncy pig” in Thai and is also the moniker of a popular chewy pork dish. Cute, bouncy, and with a delightful name, it’s no wonder everyone’s enamored!
The name “Moo Deng” was a result of a Facebook poll conducted in August, attracting around 20,000 participants. She was born on July 10 to her devoted parents, Jona and Tony, who had previously entertained us with Moo Toon and Moo Warn, both named after delectable Thai dishes as well.
Kudos to Moo Deng’s caretaker who ingeniously created a Facebook page named “Ka Moo and the Gang.” The page has been a hit, chronicling Moo Deng’s journey from birth to becoming Thailand’s latest superstar. The viral posts and engaging photos have helped the baby hippo gain widespread popularity and immense public support.
On the care front, Moo Deng is still toothless and relies on her mother’s milk for nourishment. Once she grows a bit older, her diet will consist of grass and fruit, costing approximately 300–400 baht daily. Quite a small price to pay for all the happiness she brings!
Moo Deng is the cutest! I can’t wait to visit and see her in person.
The zoo is exploiting this poor animal for profit. It’s sad!
They do take good care of her though. It’s not all bad.
I think as long as she’s well-treated, it’s fine. Zoos can do a lot of good for conservation.
The increase in visitors is a good sign that people care about animals. This can only help conservation efforts.
Or it’s just people looking for a cute Instagram post. Unrealistic to think they care about conservation.
The attention can translate into donations and better funding for the zoo’s programs.
Exactly, Tom P. More visitors can lead to more awareness and resources for animal care.
I’m glad Moo Deng is fostering international attention, but shouldn’t we be focusing on more pressing animal extinction issues?
Every little bit helps. Highlighting one animal can encourage broader interest in wildlife.
But highlighting bigger issues like deforestation or poaching is more impactful than a single baby hippo.
It’s heartwarming to see people unite around something so positive. We need more news like this.
Moo Deng is adorable! I’m just concerned about the sudden surge in visitors and its impact on the zoo’s infrastructure. Can they handle it?
They extended their hours, but you’re right. They may need more permanent improvements.
Good point, but zoos expect these spikes. I’m sure they’re planning for it.
15,000 visitors in a weekend! That’s crazy. Hope it doesn’t become too overwhelming for Moo Deng.
They need to ensure she has plenty of rest and downtime away from visitors.
I trust the zookeepers know what they’re doing. Moo Deng’s health should be their top priority.
Is it just me, or does naming animals after food seem weird? She’s a living being, not a dish.
Cultural differences. The names make her more endearing to locals.
Wouldn’t it be better if these animals were in the wild? Zoos just feel wrong to me.
In a perfect world, yes. But for now, zoos offer protection and education.
Isn’t keeping wild animals in zoos morally questionable? They belong in their natural habitats.
Zoos play a crucial role in conservation. Some species are alive today because of zoos.
It’s a complicated issue. Zoos aren’t perfect, but they do a lot of good too.
Cute zoo animal or not, the zoo should focus on serious breeding programs to save endangered species.
The viral Facebook page is genius! More zoos should do that to raise awareness and educate the public.
It’s impressive how much of an impact social media can have on something like this. Great for the zoo!
Pity it’s often used for shallow purposes. At least this time it’s positive.
Social media is a double-edged sword. Too much exposure might not be good for Moo Deng.
Jona and Tony must be proud parents! Their little one is taking the world by storm.
While this is cute and all, there are more pressing environmental issues we should focus on.
There’s a reason to appreciate the small victories. Moo Deng is bringing joy to many during tough times.
True, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger battle for conservation.
Joy and awareness aren’t mutually exclusive. Moo Deng can inspire future conservationists.