Thailand's viral hippo Moo Deng celebrates first birthday
Share and Follow

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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
San Francisco power outage puts 130,000 in the dark, as self-driving car service stops vehicles in the street

Massive San Francisco Blackout Leaves 130,000 Without Power, Halts Self-Driving Cars in Their Tracks

A significant power outage cast a shadow over extensive areas of San…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Breaking News: Suspect Apprehended at Birmingham Crime Scene – Full Story Inside

The Birmingham Police Department has made an arrest following a tragic shooting…
I'm a mechanic with half-million followers... avoid these 8 car brands

Mechanic with 500K Followers Reveals the 8 Car Brands You Should Steer Clear Of

Daimee Rosales rocketed to internet stardom through a viral video showcasing her…
Islanders goalie rips questionable goal in loss: 'only guy who saw it was the ref'

Islanders Goalie Criticizes Controversial Call After Debatable Goal: ‘Only the Referee Saw It

BUFFALO — David Rittich might find himself receiving an unexpected request this…
Indiana looks to defy painful past against Alabama in Rose Bowl quarterfinal

Indiana Aims to Overcome Historical Challenges Against Alabama in Rose Bowl Quarterfinals

When it comes to football, Alabama and Indiana might as well be…
AG Pam Bondi has 'conflict of interest' in seeking death penalty against Luigi Mangione, defense says

Defense Claims Conflict of Interest for AG Pam Bondi in Luigi Mangione Death Penalty Case

NEW YORK — Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, an accused murderer, are asserting…
Dec. 21 marks the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

December 21: Northern Hemisphere Experiences Its Shortest Day of the Year

This year’s winter solstice brings with it some fascinating celestial phenomena worth…
FILE - An attendee asks Pearl Harbor survivor Ira

WWII Navy Veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, Passes Away at 105

Ira “Ike” Schab, a distinguished World War II Navy veteran and one…