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Thailand’s famous baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, marked her first birthday with a grand celebration, indulging in a large tropical fruit spread with her mother as a crowd of devoted fans gathered for her festive four-day event.
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncing pig” in Thai, rose to international fame last year, captivating audiences worldwide with her adorable appearance and charmingly clumsy demeanor, which quickly spread across the internet, leading to fan creations, merchandise, music, and viral content.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located 62 miles south of Bangkok, became the center of attention as thousands of guests flocked to join in on the festivities, getting the chance to see the playful baby hippo up close during an extensive birthday extravaganza featuring a photography display, a charitable auction, and a lively procession.
“Moo Deng has made more people know about the zoo and they travel here, generating so much income for us – which allows us to improve the zoo a lot,” said Atthapon Nundee, Moo Deng’s caretaker at the zoo.
The zoo served Moo Deng and her 26-year-old mother Jona a 44 pound “birthday cake” — which was a selection of tropical fruits carved in a Thai traditional style — that was carried into her enclosure by three zoo keepers.
Some of Moo Deng’s prized possessions were auctioned during the festivities, including a plastic bathtub that she had used since her birth.
The tub sold for $2,150 while a cast of her footprints went for $21,426.
All proceeds from the auction will go towards a wildlife conservation fund.
“I intended to get this because I love Moo Deng so much,” said Mucharim Chutimatipakorn, who won the bid for the hippo’s footprint cast in the auction.
“I also want to contribute to the development of this zoo,” she said.