What's happened
Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has become an internet sensation, attracting thousands of visitors and millions of social media followers. While her cuteness has garnered attention, it has also led to troubling behavior from visitors, prompting zoo officials to enhance her security measures.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Moo Deng's popularity has led to a surge in visitors, with zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi noting, "Moo Deng fever means we will have to organize better so all visitors can see her." The Guardian highlights the troubling behavior of some visitors, stating, "Zoo authorities have condemned those who have tried to disturb Moo Deng." Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post emphasizes her social media success, reporting that her Instagram account has amassed over 270,000 followers, showcasing her irresistible charm. Time magazine has dubbed her an 'Icon' and 'Legend,' reflecting her growing global clout.
How we got here
Moo Deng was born on July 10, 2024, and quickly gained popularity through social media, particularly TikTok. Her name, meaning 'bouncy pork,' was chosen via a public poll, reflecting her playful nature and connection to Thai cuisine. The zoo has seen a significant increase in visitors since her debut.
Common question
-
Why is Moo Deng the New Viral Sensation on Social Media?
Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo from Thailand, has taken social media by storm, captivating millions with her adorable antics. As her fame grows, so do the questions surrounding her well-being and the impact of her popularity. Here are some common queries about Moo Deng and her rise to stardom.
More on these topics
-
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia. Located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, it is composed of 76 provinces, and covers an area of 513,120 square kilometres, and a population
-
Moo Deng (Thai: หมูเด้ง, Thai pronunciation: [mǔː dêŋ], lit. 'Bouncy Pork') is a Thai pygmy hippopotamus living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo who gained notability in September 2024 as a popular Internet meme after images of her went viral on
-
Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has a population of over eigh
-
Chonburi (Thai: ชลบุรี, RTGS: Chon Buri, IAST: jalapurī, pronounced [tɕ͡ʰōn bū.rīː] ) is the capital of Chonburi Province and, as part of the district Mueang Chonburi, the seventh-largest city in Thailand. It is about 100 km southeast
-
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of Africa. The United Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, N