Moo Deng Thailand’s Newest Star Takes the Internet by Storm

From Adorable Hippo to Celebrity Brand Ambassador Meet Moo Deng, the 2-month-old pygmy hippopotamus who has captured hearts across the globe. Known for her toothless chewing and playful antics, Moo Deng is now the face of cosmetic ads and a rising star in Thailand’s advertising world.

Moo Deng’s fame began when the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, started sharing videos of her daily life. These clips show her napping, exploring her enclosure, and even playfully chewing on her caretakers’ knees while getting a shower. Her cuteness quickly won over the internet, and now she’s featured in countless fan pages, memes, and fan art.

Moo Deng’s popularity has led to some surprising endorsements. Sephora, the well-known cosmetic brand, is using Moo Deng’s pink cheeks to promote their blush products. A bakery in Bangkok is even making cakes that look like Moo Deng, but they’ve had to limit orders due to high demand.

The Thai Embassy in Tokyo has also joined the Moo Deng fan club by posting her pictures and encouraging Japanese tourists to visit her at the zoo.Despite the excitement, Moo Deng’s caretakers are worried about her safety. Some visitors have been throwing objects at her, which is harmful and distressing. To protect Moo Deng, the zoo has limited visits to just weekends, and each visit is only five minutes long. Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi has warned that legal action could be taken against those who act irresponsibly.

Pygmy hippos like Moo Deng are endangered. There are fewer than 2,000 left in the wild due to poaching. These animals can live up to 50 years and are about half the size of regular hippos. In the wild, they eat grass, leaves, shoots, and fallen fruits.

Moo Deng’s rise to fame is a reminder of both the joy and responsibility that come with caring for endangered species.