Key Takeaways:
– Moo Deng, a 2-month-old pygmy hippo, becomes an Internet sensation after zookeeper’s Facebook posts go viral.
– Rising visitation numbers have impacted Moo Deng’s zoo and additional merchandise is set to increase further revenue.
– Increased fame has led to some concerns for Moo Deng’s welfare.
– To protect her, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has put measures in place which includes a live webcam for remote viewing.
Overnight Fame Takes Off
Only a month after Atthapon Nundee, a zookeeper from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, uploaded pictures of cute baby hippo, Moo Deng, onto Facebook, the tiny pygmy hippo found herself in the glare of an international spotlight. Atthapon, despite his years of experience, was taken aback by the response, never having anticipated that his usual posts would foster such a sensation.
Visitor Frenzy
As word spread, lines of eager visitors began to form outside the zoo in earnest, situated about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. Her enclosure, which she shares with her mother, Jona, was quickly filled with adoring fans watching her every move. Fan Areeya Sripanya expressed her delight, describing the baby hippo as a “little lump” she wished to “swallow whole.”
Quirky Naming Decisions
Adorably chubby and playful, Moo Deng quickly won over hearts. In a nod to her cute and bouncy nature, a social media poll named her Moo Deng, which translates as “bouncy pork” in Thai. This unique name only added to her charm and set her apart from siblings Moo Toon and Moo Waan.
Merchandise and Copyright Issues
This fame has put Khao Kheow Open Zoo on the global map, prompting zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi to start patenting and trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo.” The aim is to avoid commercial exploitation of the animal and increase income for zoological activities. The zoo, spread over nearly 2,000 acres, is a home for numerous animals, including endangered species like Moo Deng’s. The proceeds from its newly minted merchandise will support the care of these animals.
Adorable Charm Captured on Camera
The essence of Moo Deng’s playful personality has been captured by Atthapon’s creative captions and numerous video clips. Her antics, whether squirming while taking a bath or gently nipping at Atthapon while playing, are shared daily, increasing her popularity worldwide.
Visitor Management
The global admiration for Moo Deng has drastically increased zoo visitors, prompting the need for better visitor management procedures. The zoo now limits public access to Moo Deng’s enclosure to 5-minute windows during weekends.
Protecting Moo Deng
Unfortunately, the sudden fame subjected Moo Deng to some undesirable behavior from visitors. Videos circulating on social media showed some visitors trying to wake the young animal by splashing water or throwing objects. However, the zoo’s management acted swiftly, posting warnings and expressing readiness to act under the animal protection law if mistreatment occurs.
Live Streaming for Global Fans
For those unable to visit or deterred by the crowds, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has a solution. It plans to launch a 24-hour live feed of the baby hippo, allowing fans worldwide to share in the adorable antics of Moo Deng, clearly a superstar in the making.