How Thai Zoo Hippo Mu Deng Became a World Star

There are millions of photos and videos of different animals online, many of which look funny and cute. But why some become internet stars and meme heroes, while others do not, no one knows. The pygmy hippopotamus Mu Deng from the Thai zoo was lucky - the young female became a celebrity and gained an army of fans.

Mu Daeng lives in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is two hours away from Bangkok. Despite its remote location, the flow of tourists there never dries up. Of course, the zoo has many interesting inhabitants, but most guests want to see the charming little Mu Daeng.

The pygmy hippopotamus' popularity was brought by its caretaker, Attapon Nundi, who is fond of photography and takes pictures of the animals he cares for. He had been posting his work on social media for five years, but it did not generate much interest. Everything changed with the arrival of Mu Deng.

In just a few weeks, her photos have gone viral. Photos and videos of the hippo are getting tens of thousands of likes and hundreds of comments. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo parking lot is now full of cars long before it opens – something that has never happened before.

As soon as the zoo gates open, the crowd rushes to the enclosure where Mu Deng lives with his mother Yona. Every movement of the pink-cheeked hippo causes delight among the public.

In an interview with the Associated Press, caretaker Attaponu Nundi said:

The name of the hippopotamus Moo Deng literally means "springy pork" in Thai. It is a type of meatball, a Thai national dish. The name was chosen by subscribers on the Internet. By the way, several other hippos have also been given "culinary" names.

Living with Mu Deng and her mother Yona are Moo Toon ('stewed pork') and Moo Waan ('sweet pork'). There's also a regular hippopotamus named Kha Moo ('stewed pork leg').

Photos and drawings of Mu Deng are everywhere. Her image adorns memes of the German soccer team FC Bayern, the American basketball team Phoenix Suns, and the football teams Washington Commanders and New York Mets. There is also hippo merch, and cafes around the world offer drinks with latte art in her honor.