Bangkok (EFE).- Thailand’s beloved baby hippopotamus Moo Deng turned one on Thursday, and dozens of fans flocked to the Khao Kheow Zoo in Chonburi, about 62 miles from Bangkok, to celebrate the now-viral animal whose fame soared across social media in 2024.
Throughout the day, visitors gathered around Moo Deng’s enclosure to take photos, sing birthday songs, and admire her playful antics.
The young hippo, known for her spirited personality, delighted onlookers by splashing around in her pond with an older companion, occasionally dipping underwater or peeking out to the crowd’s laughter.
The festivities included a special birthday feast of watermelon and fresh herbs, which Moo Deng eagerly devoured while cameras clicked and zoo staff live-streamed the moment across various platforms.
A star is born
Moo Deng, whose name translates literally as “Jumping Pig”, rose to global fame in Sep. 2024 thanks to videos posted by her caretaker.
The clips, showing her energetic behavior and endearing roars, quickly went viral and captured the hearts of millions.
According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy, the hippo’s popularity led to a nearly 80% surge in ticket sales in 2024.
“She brought new life to the zoo and made people fall in love with wildlife again,” he told EFE in December.
The zoo also hosted a giant birthday mural where visitors, including some international tourists, left messages of love and congratulations for the pint-sized celebrity.
From meme to merch icon
Moo Deng’s fame hasn’t stopped at the zoo gates.
Her likeness is now featured on a wide range of merchandise across Thailand, including T-shirts, bags, bed sheets, accessories, and plush toys.
In a nod to her cultural impact, The New York Times named Moo Deng one of its “63 Most Stylish People of 2024,” with a playful tribute.
“She bit. She screamed. She stole hearts around the world.” Meanwhile, social platform X crowned her the “Top Meme of the Year.”
As she enters her second year, Moo Deng remains more than just a zoo attraction, she’s a symbol of joy, a marketing phenomenon, and a reminder of the unexpected ways animals can capture human imagination in the digital age. EFE
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