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Viral Baby Hippo Moo Deng’s Meet-And-Greet Hours Cut After Zoo Visitors’ Disruptive Behavior

Viral Baby Hippo Moo Deng’s Meet-And-Greet Hours Cut After Zoo Visitors’ Disruptive Behavior

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Baby Moo Deng, a two-month old pygmy hippopotamus, has caused quite the international commotion with her pinkish cheeks and undeniable charm.

The baby hippo has already made millions of fans online and is drawing frenzied crowds to the Thai zoo, where she resides.

But many visitors have been behaving in a disrespectful manner, and the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has decided to limit the times people can go visit the baby hippo, for safety reasons. Fans are still showing their love and sharing countless Moo Deng memes to celebrate her adorable antics online.

Highlights
  • Khao Kheow Open Zoo limits Moo Deng's meet-and-greets to 5 minutes due to visitors' disruptive behavior.
  • Visitors to the Thai zoo have been disrespectful, throwing objects at the baby hippo, prompting new regulations.
  • Moo Deng has become an online sensation, with videos on TikTok garnering tens of millions of views.
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    Regulations have been put into place after tourists behaved rudely towards baby hippo Moo Deng — who also happens to be an online sensation

    Image credits: Guardian Australia

    These new regulations come after reports of visitors acting inappropriately, such as throwing shellfish, water, and other objects at the animal. 

    After visitors doubled following Moo Deng’s birth, the owners were forced to install CCTV cameras around the hippo’s enclosure. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said he would consider taking legal action against those who break any rules.

    Moving forward, those going to the zoo will only have a 5-minute timeframe to see Moo Deng.

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    Moo Deng has been a hit among various international media platforms

    Image credits: Guardian Australia

    Videos featuring Moo Deng were posted on TikTok and have since gone viral, garnering tens of millions of views. Other social media platforms such as X have even created their own fanpages revolving around the baby hippo.

    The Royal Thai embassy in Tokyo said, “She’s very energetic and her cute appearance is soothing.”

    Since then, Sephora Thailand has made Moo Deng the face of their advertisement, advising fans to “wear your blush like a baby hippo.”

    This particular hippo has inspired countless fans to gather together and express their admiration

    Image credits: Guardian Australia

    Safe to say, netizens from TikTok and X can’t get enough of the viral baby pygmy.

    “I’m obsessed with Moo Deng — I’ve been thinking about this queen all day,” one said.

    Another commented, “I don’t know anything else going on in the world right now except for Moo Deng.” 

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    The pygmy hippo weighs much less than its cousin counterpart and should be treated with care

    Image credits: Guardian Australia

    Pygmy hippos are smaller than the common hippopotamus and are less aquatic. According to the San Diego Zoo, their body excretes a pink fluid that gives them a wet appearance in order to prevent sunburns.

    However, they are an endangered species, with 3,000 — or less — still in the wild.

    Given this critical status, the zoo has implemented stricter rules to ensure Moo Deng’s well-being in an effort to keep her safe and preserve the species. 

    “These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous,” the zoo stated. “We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”

    Moo Deng’s face has been featured in countless videos — even makeup advertisements

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    Image credits: @kkopzoo

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

    Ugnė Lazauskaitė

    Ugnė Lazauskaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    I am employed as a Visual Editor in the news team. I make sure you have the best pictures near the most interesting text. In general all day I am looking at all you favourite celebrities facies and I am geting payed for it!

    Read less »

    Ugnė Lazauskaitė

    Ugnė Lazauskaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am employed as a Visual Editor in the news team. I make sure you have the best pictures near the most interesting text. In general all day I am looking at all you favourite celebrities facies and I am geting payed for it!

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Faramir10
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm glad the zoo officials cut the hours short. There's no excuse for people acting like this.

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really shïtty humans destroying what's food again.. 😾

    TennesseeHomesteadUSA
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Big Social ruins something else. Why do people stampede to places they see on Big Social ?

    Load More Comments
    Faramir10
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm glad the zoo officials cut the hours short. There's no excuse for people acting like this.

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really shïtty humans destroying what's food again.. 😾

    TennesseeHomesteadUSA
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Big Social ruins something else. Why do people stampede to places they see on Big Social ?

    Load More Comments
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