Moo Deng: Baby pygmy hippo becomes a TikTok sensation

WASHINGTON — Thailand's newest celebrity, a baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng, has captured the hearts of fans around the world overnight.

The two-month-old hippo went viral after the zoo posted videos of the charismatic animal eating, showering and even nibbling on its keeper's knees – despite having no teeth. Moo Deng was born on July 10 at Khao Kheow Zoo in Chonburi province, about an hour and a half outside the Thai capital.

Moo Deng's videos have been viewed millions of times on TikTok, with some clips garnering over 33 million plays, and her sudden fame has already earned her partnerships with brands, including Thailand's Sephora, which shared a post on how to recreate the baby hippo's peachy cheeks with blush.

The hype surrounding Moo Deng in Thailand has even sparked safety concerns at the zoo, which has restricted the view of the baby hippo. According to a statement from the zoo on Saturday, visitors to Khao Kheow Zoo are now only allowed to see the viral sensation in 5 minutes and are only allowed to visit the animal on weekends.

Memes of Moo Deng's shocked face flooded social media, helping to make her an overnight star. Khao Kheow Zoo has even announced that merchandise featuring the baby hippo will soon be available.

Following the unveiling of the baby pygmy hippo, the zoo held a public vote to find the perfect name for its newest addition. More than 20,000 people voted for Moo Deng, which translates to “hopping pig.”

Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, primarily Liberia, with some small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast, according to the San Diego Zoo. Although they look like a miniature version of the hippopotamus, pygmy hippos are different in behavior and physical characteristics—they are only half the size of a hippopotamus.

Not much is known about this endangered animal, as there are only about 2,000 pygmy hippos left in their natural habitat. The life expectancy of an adult pygmy hippo is 30 to 50 years.