Baby Pygmy Hippos Moo Deng
A Baby Pygmy Hippos in the shape of Moo Deng which is two months old has emerged as an overnight sensation, bringing joyous visitor numbers to Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya, Thailand, since it was born in early July. She has that adorable personality and playful, cuddly nature that had managed to win the hearts of many at the zoo, where officials are now reporting a doubling of attendance in a large way courtesy of all the attention surrounding her. The name “Moo Deng,” which literally translates to “bouncy pig,” is an expression of her lively character, so it is no wonder that she became a viral hit on social media websites.
Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi has expressed concerns over the behavior of some visitors. There have been cases of guests tossing shellfish and even splashing water on Moo Deng to wake her up, hence the zoo’s installation of CCTV cameras around her enclosure. Chodchoi threatened to charge those who treat the animal with disdain and her natural habitat. He also encouraged visitors to visit during her active hours in a bid to give their visit a flavor.
Pygmy Hippos
Pygmy hippos are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. There are fewer than 3,000 individuals in the wild. The zoo used the popularity of Moo Deng to fuel the cause of wildlife conservation, especially about her species. Of the zoo’s last 150 posts on social media, 128 feature Moo Deng, with whom she has become the central theme. This renewed publicity saw her features on Japanese television networks, and accolades in the form of praise from the Royal Thai Embassy, which declared that “she embodies a charm and appeal found in few”.
In response to her increased fame, the zoo has launched a Moo Deng merchandise line, and beauty retailer Sephora has partnered with the zoo to launch a makeup collection based on the baby hippo, thus further entwining wildlife conservation and popular culture. However, her celebrity status has not diverted the zoo from the course to ensure that Moo Deng grows up into a wholesome and sound individual, milking the popularity to educate people about the plight of endangered species and the significance of conservation efforts.
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