Moo Deng

{{About|the hippopotamus|the similarly named Thai pork dish|Mu daeng}}

{{Infobox animal

| name = Moo Deng{{br}}{{nobold|{{lang|th|หมูเด้ง}}}}

| image = Moo deng หมูเด้ง (2024-09-11) - img 02.jpg

| alt = Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus, screaming as a zoo keeper in Khao Kheow Zoo is picking her up

| caption = Moo Deng in 2024

| species = Pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)

| gender = Female

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2024|07|10|df=yes}}

| namedafter = Thai for {{gloss|bouncy pork}} or {{gloss|bouncy pig}}

| residence = Khao Kheow Open Zoo, {{awrap|Si Racha,}} Chonburi, Thailand

| parents = Jonah (mother) and Tony (father)

}}

Moo Deng ({{langx|th|หมูเด้ง}}, {{RTGS|mu deng}}, {{IPA|th|mǔː dêŋ|pron|LL-Q9217 (tha)-咽頭べさ-หมูเด้ง.wav}}; born 10 July 2024) is a pygmy hippopotamus living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand.{{cite web |title=Zoos in Thailand - Khao Kheow Open Zoo |url=http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/zoo/kkzoo.html |website=sawadee.com |accessdate=19 October 2016 |archive-date=23 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023124601/http://www.sawadee.com/thailand/zoo/kkzoo.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Khao Kheow Open Zoo - Attractions in Pattaya |url=http://www.pattayaconcierge.com/specified-place/khao-kheow-open-zoo/200800000116/attraction/ |accessdate=19 October 2016 |website=pattayaconcierge.com |archive-date=17 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117063125/http://www.pattayaconcierge.com/specified-place/khao-kheow-open-zoo/200800000116/attraction/ |url-status=live }} She became a popular internet meme at two months of age after images of her went viral online in September 2024.

Background

Moo Deng was born on 10 July 2024 to parents Tony and Jonah. She has two full siblings (Nadet and Moo Tun) and four half-siblings (Ko, Kanya, Phalo, and Moo Wan).{{cite web|title=นับญาติ "น้องหมูเด้ง" ตัวตึงสวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว|url=https://mgronline.com/local/detail/9670000089941|website=Manager Online|language=th|date=25 September 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241001130055/https://mgronline.com/local/detail/9670000089941|archive-date=1 October 2024|url-status=live}} The name Moo Deng was chosen through a public poll, with over 20,000 people voting for it. It translates to {{gloss|bouncy pork}} or {{gloss|bouncy pig}} in English.{{Cite web |date=25 July 2024 |title=Pygmy hippo calf captures hearts at Khao Kheow Open Zoo; fans show interests in pants |url=https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pygmy-hippo-calf-captures-hearts-at-khao-kheow-open-zoo-fans-show-interests-in-pants-471760 |access-date=25 September 2024 |website=Pattaya Mail |archive-date=24 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924180218/https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/pygmy-hippo-calf-captures-hearts-at-khao-kheow-open-zoo-fans-show-interests-in-pants-471760 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Duster |first1=Chandelis |title=Meet Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo so popular you can visit her for only 5 minutes |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5115841/meet-moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo |access-date=24 September 2024 |publisher=NPR |date=September 18, 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923120845/https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5115841/meet-moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Saksornchai |first=Jintamas |date=2024-09-19 |title=Thailand's adorable pygmy hippo Moo Deng has the kind of face that launches a thousand memes |url=https://apnews.com/article/moo-deng-baby-hippo-thailand-zoo-27485f0cbc70071252be45d870d507aa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926001231/https://apnews.com/article/moo-deng-baby-hippo-thailand-zoo-27485f0cbc70071252be45d870d507aa |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Associated Press}}{{multiref2|{{cite web|title=หมู|url=https://www.thai2english.com/?q=1414519|website=Thai2english.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241021123758/https://www.thai2english.com/?q=1414519|archive-date=21 October 2024|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|title=เด้ง|url=https://www.thai2english.com/?q=1308072|website=Thai2english.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241021123927/https://www.thai2english.com/?q=1308072|archive-date=21 October 2024|url-status=live}}}}

Online popularity

File:"น้องหมูเด้ง" เซเลบสวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว - เรื่องเด่นทั่วไทย.webm

Khao Kheow Open Zoo posted images of its pygmy hippopotamuses on its official Facebook page, and Moo Deng quickly became a favorite among fans.{{Cite news |last=Tiengtae |first=Nannalin |date=11 September 2024 |title=Baby pygmy hippo the star at Chon Buri zoo |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2863668/baby-pygmy-hippo-the-star-at-chon-buri-zoo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001141819/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2863668/baby-pygmy-hippo-the-star-at-chon-buri-zoo |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=Bangkok Post}} Moo Deng is noted to be more playful and energetic than other hippopotamuses. In response to her popularity, the zoo began selling clothing and other merchandise featuring designs based on Moo Deng.{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Viral Pygmy Hippo 'Moo Deng' Boosts Khao Kheow Open Zoo Visitors |url=https://www.khaosodenglish.com/tourism/2024/09/12/viral-pygmy-hippo-moo-deng-boosts-khao-kheow-open-zoo-visitors/ |website=Khaosod English |access-date=12 September 2024 |archive-date=12 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912234020/https://www.khaosodenglish.com/tourism/2024/09/12/viral-pygmy-hippo-moo-deng-boosts-khao-kheow-open-zoo-visitors/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/baby-hippo-named-moo-becomes-viral-sensation-219344965844 |title=Baby Hippo named Moo becomes viral sensation |date=13 September 2024 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=14 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914071733/https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/baby-hippo-named-moo-becomes-viral-sensation-219344965844 |archive-date=2024-09-14 |url-status=live}} Moo Deng inspired many pieces of fan art.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCM7utGdoxo |title=Moo-Deng: the two-month-old baby pygmy hippo becoming an online giant |date=12 September 2024 |publisher=Guardian Australia |access-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913232703/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCM7utGdoxo |archive-date=13 September 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}

Due to Moo Deng's viral online popularity, the number of daily visitors to the zoo doubled in early September 2024.{{Cite web |date=13 September 2024 |first=Nick |last=March |title=Moo Deng: Thailand zoo's celebrity baby pygmy hippo |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy848292dr4o |access-date=13 September 2024 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001141808/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy848292dr4o |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Foley |first1=Becca |last2=Riffe |first2=Noah |date=September 24, 2024 |title=A Pygmy Hippo Is Stealing Hearts (and Biting Zookeepers) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/style/moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-thailand.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924140757/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/style/moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-thailand.html |archive-date=2024-09-24 |url-status=live}} Around this time, some visitors have harassed the baby by splashing her with water{{Cite news |date=12 September 2024 |title=Viral Thai baby hippo Moo Deng harassed by visitors, zoo chief vows action |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/viral-baby-hippo-moo-deng-harassed-by-visitors-zoo-chief-vows-action |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=The Straits Times |issn=0585-3923 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140014/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/viral-baby-hippo-moo-deng-harassed-by-visitors-zoo-chief-vows-action |url-status=live }} or throwing objects at her to wake her up. As a result, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo installed security cameras around her enclosure. The zoo director has threatened legal action against visitors who harassed her.{{Cite web |first=Katie |last=Mather |date=12 September 2024 |title=Baby hippo goes viral on TikTok, doubles Thai zoo's visitor count |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/baby-hippo-goes-viral-on-tiktok-doubles-thai-zoos-visitor-count-205918220.html |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=Yahoo News |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140020/https://www.yahoo.com/news/baby-hippo-goes-viral-on-tiktok-doubles-thai-zoos-visitor-count-205918220.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Zoo asks 'Moo Deng' fans to behave |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2864411/zoo-asks-moo-deng-fans-to-behave |date=12 September 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=Bangkok Post |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140017/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2864411/zoo-asks-moo-deng-fans-to-behave |url-status=live }} The misbehavior by some visitors has been widely condemned online.{{Cite web |last=Tanakorn |first=Aim |date=11 September 2024 |title=Some Netizens Concerned on How Some Visitors Treat Beloved Baby Hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi |url=https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/11/some-netizens-concerned-on-how-some-visitors-treat-beloved-baby-hippo-moo-deng-at-khao-kheow-open-zoo-in-chonburi/ |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=The Pattaya News |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140017/https://thepattayanews.com/2024/09/11/some-netizens-concerned-on-how-some-visitors-treat-beloved-baby-hippo-moo-deng-at-khao-kheow-open-zoo-in-chonburi/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Ewe |first=Koh |date=13 September 2024 |title=She's an Icon, She's a Legend ... She Is Moo Deng |url=https://time.com/7021047/moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-thailand-viral-cute-safety-concerns/ |access-date=14 September 2024 |magazine=Time |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140017/https://time.com/7021047/moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-thailand-viral-cute-safety-concerns/ |url-status=live }} The zoo also implemented a five-minute time limit for visitors in order to accommodate the high volume.{{Cite news |first1=Jetjaras |last1=Na Ranong |first2=Nannalin |last2=Tiengtae |first3=Onnucha |last3=Hutasingh |date=14 September 2024 |title=Five-minute limit set on Moo Deng visits |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2865462/five-minute-limit-set-on-moo-deng-visits |access-date=14 September 2024 |work=Bangkok Post |archive-date=1 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140019/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2865462/five-minute-limit-set-on-moo-deng-visits |url-status=live }}

In September 2024, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi announced that the zoo had begun the process of copyrighting and trademarking "Moo Deng the hippo" to raise funds for the zoo.{{Cite web |last=Brunner |first=Raven |date=19 September 2024 |title=Viral Baby Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng Is So Popular She's Working on Obtaining Her Own Patent |url=https://people.com/viral-baby-pygmy-hippo-moo-deng-working-on-patent-8715387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001140012/https://people.com/viral-baby-pygmy-hippo-moo-deng-working-on-patent-8715387 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=People}} The zoo also plans to launch a continuous livestream to allow fans to watch Moo Deng live over the Internet.{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Marina |date=23 September 2024 |title=Moo Deng, the Baby Pygmy Hippo from Thailand That Has Taken Over the Internet, Is Getting Her Own Livestream |url=https://people.com/how-to-livestream-moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-from-thailand-8716444 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001141014/https://people.com/how-to-livestream-moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo-from-thailand-8716444 |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=People}}

On 28 September, Moo Deng was the subject of a Saturday Night Live sketch.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfIbbP3vuwA |title=Weekend Update: Baby Hippo Moo Deng on Fame - SNL |date=2024-09-28 |publisher=Saturday Night Live |access-date=2024-09-30 |via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122745/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfIbbP3vuwA |archive-date=2024-10-09 |url-status=live}} She was parodied by Bowen Yang on Weekend Update, and the character was used to satirize American pop-artist Chappell Roan's commentary on fame and political endorsements.{{cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Anne |title='SNL' Jokes About Chappell Roan Fan Harassment With Bowen Yang Dressed as Celebrity Hippo Moo Deng: 'We Both Deserve Patience and Grace' |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/snl-mocks-chappell-roan-bowen-yang-moo-deng-1236159205/ |website=Variety |date=29 September 2024 |access-date=29 September 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929061140/https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/snl-mocks-chappell-roan-bowen-yang-moo-deng-1236159205/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2024, the zoo posted a video showing Moo Deng choosing between two carved fruit dishes featuring the names of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in what the zoo said was a prediction on who would win the 2024 United States presidential election. Moo Deng selected the fruit engraved with Trump's name, a prediction that ultimately came true.{{cite web |title=Thai baby hippo Moo Deng 'predicts' US election win for Trump |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241105-thai-baby-hippo-moo-deng-predicts-us-election-win-for-trump |website=France 24 |date=5 November 2024 |access-date=5 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114020640/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241105-thai-baby-hippo-moo-deng-predicts-us-election-win-for-trump |archive-date=2024-11-14 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Moo Deng rewarded for picking Trump |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2898757/moo-deng-rewarded-for-picking-trump |website=Bangkok Post |date=5 November 2024 |access-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114021117/https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2898757/moo-deng-rewarded-for-picking-trump |archive-date=2024-11-14 |url-status=live}} That same month, GMM Grammy released an official Moo Deng theme song composed by Mueanphet Ammara titled "Moodeng Moodeng!" in Thai, English, Chinese, and Japanese.{{cite web |title=Thailand's baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng has an official song released in 4 languages |url=https://apnews.com/article/thailand-moo-deng-hippo-khao-kheow-zoo-song-7bd956dd6766d3f1302b3e2c6ac73644 |website=Associated Press |date=13 November 2024 |access-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114022007/https://apnews.com/article/thailand-moo-deng-hippo-khao-kheow-zoo-song-7bd956dd6766d3f1302b3e2c6ac73644 |archive-date=2024-11-14 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Thailand's baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng now has an official song released in 4 languages |url=https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/moo-deng-song-moodeng-moodeng-pygmy-hippo-thailand-413706 |website=CNA Lifestyle |date=14 November 2024 |access-date=14 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114013848/https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/moo-deng-song-moodeng-moodeng-pygmy-hippo-thailand-413706 |archive-date=2024-11-14 |url-status=live }}

In December 2024, Google published a year-in-review-themed Google Doodle video about the most searched topics of that year, with Moo Deng featuring in it.{{Cite web |title=Google's 2024 Year in Review Is Now Also a Doodle, Including Moo Deng |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/googles-2024-year-in-review-is-now-also-a-doodle-including-moo-deng/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=CNET |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Samantha |date=2024-12-18 |title=Google Celebrates Breakout Stars in 'Year in Search' Film |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/google-film-celebrates-2024s-breakout-stars-from-moo-deng-to-chappell-roan/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |language=en-US}}

In February 2025, the coordinator for the Taï Hippo Project in Côte d’Ivoire, Elie Bogui reported that while the meme has gone viral, there has been no significant observed impact in terms of funding for pigmy hippo conservation and protection.{{Cite web |last=Hance |first=Jeremy |date=2025-02-03 |title=Has the Moo Deng craze helped wild pygmy hippos at all? (analysis) |url=https://news.mongabay.com/2025/02/has-the-moo-deng-craze-helped-wild-pygmy-hippos-at-all-analysis/ |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=Mongabay Environmental News |language=en-US}}

Welfare concerns

Animal welfare groups have expressed concern for Moo Deng. A spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said, "She faces a lifetime of confinement," while World Animal Protection said, "Sharing Moo Deng content might seem innocuous, but it promotes cruelty to animals."{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Alisha Rahaman |date=2024-10-03 |title=Thailand rejects criticism over pygmy hippo Moo Deng's 'lifetime of confinement' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/moo-deng-peta-thailand-zoo-b2623044.html |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=The Independent |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004024345/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/moo-deng-peta-thailand-zoo-b2623044.html |archive-date=2024-10-04 |url-status=live}} The zoo's director, Narongwit Chodchoi, rejected the allegations and maintained that the facility ensures the welfare and quality of life for more than 2,000 animals. The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said that Moo Deng was well taken care of and that PETA was relying on "outdated" information.