Thousands Gather to Celebrate Viral Hippo Moo Deng's First Birthday in Thailand
Khao Kheow Open Zoo hosts four-day event as social media sensation Moo Deng turns one, drawing global visitors and raising conservation funds
CHONBURI, Thailand — Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus who gained international fame through viral social media content, celebrated her first birthday on July 10 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The event marked the beginning of a four-day festival attended by thousands of visitors from around the world.
Born on July 10, 2024, to parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng quickly became an internet sensation due to her playful antics shared online by her keeper, Atthapon Nundee.
Her name, meaning "bouncy pork" in Thai, was selected through a public poll, aligning with the zoo's tradition of naming hippos after pork dishes.
The birthday celebration featured a 20-kilogram tropical fruit cake, which Moo Deng shared with her mother.
The festivities included a parade, photo exhibitions, and charity auctions.
Notably, a cast of Moo Deng's footprints sold for 700,000 baht (approximately $19,000), and her baby bathtub fetched 50,000 baht (approximately $1,400).
Proceeds from these auctions are designated for wildlife conservation efforts.
The event attracted over 12,000 visitors on the first day, including international fans such as Molly Swindall from New York and Jennifer Tang from Malaysia.
The zoo offered free admission to children under 12 throughout the celebration period.
Moo Deng's popularity has significantly increased the zoo's visibility and attendance, leading to enhancements in facilities and conservation programs.
The pygmy hippopotamus is classified as endangered, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in West Africa.
In response to Moo Deng's fame, the zoo has implemented measures to ensure her well-being, including limiting viewing times to prevent stress.
Additionally, the zoo has initiated a 24/7 livestream, allowing global audiences to observe Moo Deng remotely.
The event marked the beginning of a four-day festival attended by thousands of visitors from around the world.
Born on July 10, 2024, to parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng quickly became an internet sensation due to her playful antics shared online by her keeper, Atthapon Nundee.
Her name, meaning "bouncy pork" in Thai, was selected through a public poll, aligning with the zoo's tradition of naming hippos after pork dishes.
The birthday celebration featured a 20-kilogram tropical fruit cake, which Moo Deng shared with her mother.
The festivities included a parade, photo exhibitions, and charity auctions.
Notably, a cast of Moo Deng's footprints sold for 700,000 baht (approximately $19,000), and her baby bathtub fetched 50,000 baht (approximately $1,400).
Proceeds from these auctions are designated for wildlife conservation efforts.
The event attracted over 12,000 visitors on the first day, including international fans such as Molly Swindall from New York and Jennifer Tang from Malaysia.
The zoo offered free admission to children under 12 throughout the celebration period.
Moo Deng's popularity has significantly increased the zoo's visibility and attendance, leading to enhancements in facilities and conservation programs.
The pygmy hippopotamus is classified as endangered, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild, primarily in West Africa.
In response to Moo Deng's fame, the zoo has implemented measures to ensure her well-being, including limiting viewing times to prevent stress.
Additionally, the zoo has initiated a 24/7 livestream, allowing global audiences to observe Moo Deng remotely.