Thailand's baby hippo, Moo Deng, continues to attract massive crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, becoming a veritable star and delighting fans with her charming antics and sleepy demeanor.
Moo Deng: Thailand’s Adorable Pygmy Hippo Captivates Visitors

Moo Deng: Thailand’s Adorable Pygmy Hippo Captivates Visitors
Meet Moo Deng, the six-month-old pygmy hippopotamus who has taken Thailand by storm, captivating visitors at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Moo Deng, a six-month-old pygmy hippopotamus, has recently captured the hearts of many at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in central Thailand. Despite her reduced energy and playful bounces from a few months ago, this little hippo has solidified her status as a national wonder. With her charming appearance, described as a ‘ripe avocado overstuffed with pâté,’ Moo Deng enjoys lounging in her enclosure, often seen snoring quietly as visitors marvel at her presence.
The zoo has become a pilgrimage site for thousands, where awe-struck tourists take photos and cheer for Moo Deng, celebrating every movement and yawn. Although she mostly ignores the cheering crowd, her charm continues to shine through, leading to instances of excitement so intense that some visitors have fainted. Not all attention has been benign, as the small hippo has faced challenges from curious fans tossing in treats like bananas and splashing water, albeit these occurrences are few.
Among the captivated visitors was digital nomad Hunter Hackett, who expressed profound admiration for Moo Deng alongside his wife, Anisi Baigude. The atmosphere around her enclosure is electric, filled with echoes of “Moo Deng, Moo Deng” at every flick of her little tail, showcasing just how much this adorable hippo means to both locals and tourists alike. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s unique celebrity has transcended beyond zoos and wildlife, turning this six-month-old into a beloved national symbol, inspiring joy and laughter throughout the country.
The zoo has become a pilgrimage site for thousands, where awe-struck tourists take photos and cheer for Moo Deng, celebrating every movement and yawn. Although she mostly ignores the cheering crowd, her charm continues to shine through, leading to instances of excitement so intense that some visitors have fainted. Not all attention has been benign, as the small hippo has faced challenges from curious fans tossing in treats like bananas and splashing water, albeit these occurrences are few.
Among the captivated visitors was digital nomad Hunter Hackett, who expressed profound admiration for Moo Deng alongside his wife, Anisi Baigude. The atmosphere around her enclosure is electric, filled with echoes of “Moo Deng, Moo Deng” at every flick of her little tail, showcasing just how much this adorable hippo means to both locals and tourists alike. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s unique celebrity has transcended beyond zoos and wildlife, turning this six-month-old into a beloved national symbol, inspiring joy and laughter throughout the country.