A baby hippo goes viral – but faces the consequences

A baby hippopotamus is stirring up excitement in Thailand.

Moo Deng, whose name loosely means "bouncy pig," is a two-month-old female pygmy hippo gaining popularity online and drawing crowds to a zoo near Pattaya.

Since her birth in July, visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo have doubled, according to the zoo’s management.

However, the zoo’s director has asked visitors to act responsibly after videos surfaced showing people mishandling the young hippo.

"These actions are not only harmful but also pose a danger," Narongwit Chodchoi said in an online statement.

"It’s our duty to protect these animals and provide them with a safe, comfortable environment."

Videos circulating on social media show some visitors attempting to wake Moo Deng by splashing water on her and even throwing shellfish at the baby hippo.

Narongwit mentioned that the zoo has now placed CCTV cameras around the enclosures and warned that legal steps will be taken against anyone caught mistreating the young hippo.

He also suggested visiting Moo Deng when she’s active and awake for the best experience.

Pygmy hippos, also referred to as dwarf hippos, are native to West Africa. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are classified as "endangered," with fewer than 3,000 believed to remain in the wild.

This tiny hippo’s small stature and chubby features have sparked a massive online fanbase.

"I’m absolutely obsessed with Moo Deng – she’s all I’ve been thinking about today," one user on X shared.

Another commented: "I have no idea what else is happening in the world right now, other than Moo Deng."

Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located about 100km (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok, has certainly embraced the attention surrounding their famous hippo.

Since her arrival, 128 of the zoo's last 150 social media posts have featured Moo Deng.

The zoo has even launched a line of merchandise, including a hippo-themed shirt and trouser set, available for purchase both in-store and online.

Other companies have joined in as well. Sephora, for instance, released a line of Moo Deng-inspired blushes, inviting customers to "blush like a baby hippo."

One "Soft Pop Powder Blush" will set you back THB 1,590 ($47.70; £36.30).