Moo Deng Turns One! Why This Pygmy Hippo Has Become A Viral Sensation
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus from a zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand, has become an internet favourite. As she turns one this year, let's look at what makes her so special.
It's been a year since Moo Deng the pygmy hippo first captured hearts across Thailand and beyond. As she turns one this July, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has planned a week-long celebration complete with playful games, a hippo-themed cake, and even a visit from the U.S. Embassy. The zoo is also using this moment to highlight animal welfare and conservation work, reminding everyone that Moo Deng's story is more than just viral cuteness.
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The celebrations also sparked a high‑stakes auction for Moo Deng's birthday cake—generous bidders raised ฿100,000 (~₹2.2 Lakh), with funds directed to animal care at the zoo.
Meanwhile, the beloved pygmy hippo has made an unexpected appearance in the crypto world. The "MOODENG" meme‑coin surged after news of her birthday bash, partly thanks to listings on exchanges like Upbit.
Photograph: Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Moo Deng: A global star
It all started with zookeeper Attapon Nundee, who shared her videos of adorable animals from Khao Kheow during the COVID-19 lockdown, capturing the hearts of viewers online. Soon after Moo Deng's birth, she was celebrated as a symbol of happiness and local pride, and online fans are calling her their “spirit animal”.
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Moo Deng took the internet by storm, inspiring a flood of memes, fan art, and merchandise. But Moo Deng’s influence didn’t stop there, she soon found her way into the beauty world too. A trend called “Moo Deng makeup,” aiming to recreate her signature glow, started gaining traction across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.
In April, Thailand found a cute and creative way to welcome tourists during the country’s famous Songkran Festival, by greeting them with adorable dolls of Moo Deng, the Internet-famous pygmy hippopotamus. Passengers arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and five other major airports in Thailand over the weekend were in for a pleasant surprise when they saw trays of Moo Deng dolls riding the luggage conveyor belts.
According to the Bangkok Post, the dolls were dressed in colourful, floral shirts, matching the joyful spirit of Songkran, which is also known as the world’s biggest water fight. This was part of a special campaign by Airports of Thailand Plc, the agency that runs several airports across the country.
A total of 2,800 limited edition Moo Deng dolls were made and shared at six airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang in Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The gesture was meant to add a cheerful, local touch to the holiday experience for arriving travellers.
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