Why we can't get enough of viral baby hippo “Moo Deng,” according to a Windsor psychologist

Baby hippo Moo Deng has become a viral sensation, her adorable photos and videos flooding social media and even earning a sketch on Saturday Night Live.

But why are people so fascinated by her?

CTV News spoke with Dr. Andrea Dinardo, a Windsor-based psychologist and lecturer at St. Clair College, to break down the psychological reasons behind the global obsession.

“When I first saw her, I immediately melted,” Dinardo said.

“You just stop and just stay with her.”

Dr. Andrea Dinardo, a Windsor-based psychologist, met with CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum on October 1, 2024. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)

According to Dinardo, our fascination with Moo Deng goes beyond mere cuteness. It taps into a universal human instinct.

“Babies and animals are universal,” she explained.

“In a world where all this information comes to us. This is material that everyone can relate to.”

Why “irresistibly sweet” is more than just a phrase

Dinardo explained that our reaction to baby animals like Moo Deng is actually based on science. When we see something adorable, our brain releases oxytocin.

“It’s evolutionary,” she said. “It produces oxytocin – which is actually called the cuddle hormone. We are designed to feed and protect the species because that is what leads to the survival of the species. We don't have to think about it. It’s just… We want to hold this baby hippo.”

Dinardo also pointed out that in today's often negative news world, people are hungry for something positive to focus on.

“We all need that flood of positivity.”

How positive content affects us

Throughout her decades-long career in psychology, Dinardo has focused on positivity.

At a time when negative stories dominate the news cycle, videos like Moo Deng's offer a welcome change.

Dinardo believes they're more than just a feel-good distraction – they actually help us deal with stress and pressure.

“There is no thinking, there are no words. Nothing is required other than being in the moment right away,” she said.

Dinardo, who encourages her students to focus on positive moments in their own lives, sees Moo Deng's viral success as a perfect example of how even a brief exposure to uplifting content can have a big impact.

“If anyone wants to take anything away from this interview, share positive images,” Dinardo said.