Recently, a baby Pygmy Hippo has taken the internet by storm, and her name is Moo Deng. Moo Deng was born on July 10th, 2024 by her mother Jona, and at just two months old, she is an internet sensation. The Khao Khoew Zoo in Chonburi Thailand has seen a skyrocket of visitors ever since Moo Deng’s debut on NBC News, and since then, she has also been covered

on other news networks. Multiple clips of Moo Deng gently nipping at her zookeeper, running from water, or showing her sass and playfulness in front of guests and zookeepers have gone viral on apps such as X, TikTok, and Instagram. She has a feisty attitude and she has been made into an internet meme due to quite silly yet unflattering screencaps of her. Her name is translated to “bouncing pig” which also adds to her charm. She has gotten so famous, that visitors are only allowed to view her for five minutes!

 Unfortunately, this rise in popularity has also caused controversy and, unfortunately, distasteful actions taken against her and the zoo. Many users have taken to the internet to share incorrect and harmful information. Many claim that the zoo, and all zoos in general, should be shut down due to cruelty. While this is true for some zoos, the Khao Khoew Zoo has made multiple statements claiming they are conserving the Pygmy Hippo population, as they are endangered. Claims like this can cause harm to the zoo and thus cause harm to the conservation efforts to preserve and save this species. Guests have also begun throwing a variety of objects at Moo Deng to snap the perfect photo, essentially harming her because she is not posing the way they wish. The zoo has thus taken procedures to ensure Moo Deng’s safety. Despite all of these hardships, the love for Moo Deng will continue to prevail and she will continue to be known as an internet princess.