Moo-Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, is experiencing the downside of her viral internet fame. With millions of fans worldwide, the adorable hippo attracts crowds of visitors armed with cameras every time she steps out of her enclosure. However, some fans have resorted to harassment, throwing objects at Moo-Deng in an attempt to get her attention.
Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee, who has overseen Moo-Deng’s care, told The Guardian, “The moment I saw Moo-Deng born, I set a goal to make her famous, but I never expected it would spread abroad. I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally.”
Moo-Deng’s fame has skyrocketed on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, with videos of her racking up millions of views. The BBC reports that since her birth in July, visitor numbers to the zoo near Pattaya have doubled.
However, not all visitors have treated the baby hippo kindly. Disturbing videos have surfaced online, showing visitors throwing objects at Moo-Deng, with one tourist even pouring water on her to wake her up.
In response to the mistreatment, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has threatened legal action against visitors who harass the animals. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi condemned the behaviour in a public statement, saying, “These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
To safeguard Moo-Deng, the zoo has ramped up security around her enclosure, installing CCTV cameras and warning visitors of potential legal consequences if they continue to mistreat the celebrity baby hippo. Chodchoi also advised visitors that the best time to see Moo-Deng is when she is naturally awake, possibly referencing an incident where water was thrown to wake her.