The Internet has done what it does best by making a moist little hippo an overnight celebrity, and no, I’m not talking about myself.
Moo Deng took the world by storm after being posted on social media by Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and people are obsessing over the two-month-old hippo's crazy energy.
The pygmy hippo is one of seven born to parents Jona and Tony, but she's clearly got a 'je ne sais quois' that sets her apart from her siblings.
The tiny mammal is often seen screaming, bathing, eating, or being chaotic which is…very relatable.
Moo Deng has become such a big superstar that the zoo has allocated visitors only five minutes each to catch a glimpse of her in her enclosure. Talk about Taylor Swift's Eras Tour level of fame.
And just when you thought she couldn’t get any cuter, Moo Deng's name means ‘Bouncy Pork’ in Thai - she's named after a type of traditional meatball. The slippery star can be spotted ‘deng’ing in videos posted by her keeper. Ugh, Icon behaviour.
The zoo, which houses around 2,000 animals, wants to trademark ‘Moo Deng’ so they can create merch and put the profits towards the care of not only the Pygmy Hippos but all the other species they house, too.
Can’t book flights to Thailand anytime soon? Fans who have become obsessed with the little hippo will be able to watch a 24-hour live feed from next week.
Was falling in love with a tiny hippo on my bingo card for 2024? No. Will I be first in line to purchase an ‘I love Moo Deng’ shirt? Absolutely.
