Meet Moo Deng, baby hippo creating buzz at Thai zoo
What's the story
A two-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng, meaning "bouncy pig," is causing a stir in Thailand.
Her growing popularity has led to long queues at Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya.
Since her birth in July, Moo Deng has attracted so much attention that the zoo's visitor numbers have doubled, driven by her online fame.
Visitor misconduct
Zoo director urges respectful behavior toward Moo Deng
Khao Kheow Open Zoo's director, Narongwit Chodchoi, has issued a plea for visitors to treat Moo Deng with respect.
This comes after videos surfaced online showing visitors mistreating the baby hippo.
"These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous," Chodchoi stated in an online post, emphasizing the need to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the animals.
Protective actions
Zoo implements measures to protect baby hippo
In response to the mistreatment, Chodchoi announced that the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around Moo Deng's enclosure.
He warned of potential legal action against those found guilty of mistreating the baby hippo.
Chodchoi also advised visitors that the best time to observe Moo Deng is when she is awake, in an effort to prevent further disturbances during her sleep.
Endangered species
Moo Deng's popularity highlights pygmy hippo endangerment
Pygmy hippos, also known as dwarf hippos, belong to West Africa and are tagged "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Experts estimate that fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild.
Moo Deng's miniature frame and podgy proportions have not only made her a viral sensation but also brought attention to the plight of her species.
Commercialization
Zoo and brands capitalize on Moo Deng's popularity
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has capitalized on Moo Deng's fame, with 128 of their recent 150 posts on social media featuring the baby hippo.
The zoo now offers a range of merchandise, including a hippo-inspired shirt and trouser combination.
Beauty retail giant Sephora has also joined the trend, launching a line of Moo Deng-inspired makeup that encourages customers to "wear your blush like a baby hippo."