A baby pygmy hippo at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo has become a sensation.
The 2-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng was born in July, according to NBC Newsand photos and videos of her have caught the attention of the Internet.
Since Khao Kheow Open Zoo started posting about Moo Deng on its website, Facebook, X And YouTube On other pages, users have shared content about the pygmy hippo, along with loving messages.
“Moo Deng is a lifestyle icon and I want you all to join in,” one person wroteHe cited “inexplicably moist all the time,” “a little blurry in most photos,” “probably screaming or sleeping” and “round” as reasons why the baby hippo deserves attention.
“Moo Deng the most beautiful girl in the world,” another wrote.
Even on Emmy night on September 15, fans praised a photo of Moo Deng on Xwhere she is seen photoshopped on the red carpet.
“Moo Deng shines on the Emmys red carpet,” the user wrote.
Sephora Thailand even posted about the pygmy hippo by giving makeup tips inspired by Moo Deng.
“Wear your blush like a baby hippo,” says the message from retailer read.
Read on to learn more about Moo Deng, including what the baby pygmy hippo’s keepers say about her recent rise to stardom.
What kind of hippopotamus is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus, a species that only reaches half the height of a hippopotamus and weighs less than a quarter of its own weight, according to the Pygmy Hippopotamus Foundation.
Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, but can also be found in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast, the foundation said.
According to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation, newborn pygmy hippos weigh between 10 and 14 pounds at birth and are weaned between six and eight months of age.
When was Moo Deng born?
Moo Deng was born in July, NBC News reported.
Is Moo Deng safe?
While the hippo gets a lot of attention, officials say her popularity has also raised concerns about her safety.
Some visitors to Moo Deng threw water and other objects at her, according to NBC NewsFor safety reasons, the zoo announced on September 15 that visitors to Moo Deng would only be allowed to visit her on Saturdays and Sundays. Each visit would last no longer than five minutes.
“This behavior is not only cruel, but also dangerous,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said, as quoted by local media, according to NBC News. “We must protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Pygmy hippos are classified as an endangered species by the UN. Zoological Society of LondonThe . Pygmy Hippopotamus Foundation It is estimated that there are nearly 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, but their population is declining due to continued hunting for bushmeat.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com