Moo Deng is the Latest Internet It Girl

Animals and the internet go hand in hand, there’s a reason cat videos are always around. But the animal that’s stolen everyone’s heart as of late isn’t a cat or a dog, she’s a baby pygmy hippo called Moo Deng.

Her name translates to Bouncy Pork and it definitely matches her rambunctious nature. She was born in July and videos of her play fighting with her keeper at Khao Kheow Zoo in Thailand have racked up thousands of views on TikTok and Twitter. Although small she has a big personality, the scenarios she finds herself in are hilarious and sometimes relatable.

While these clips of Moo Deng standing up to her keeper are funny, they also serve an important purpose. It’s a method of desensitization training that gets animals used to the presence of their keepers from an early age, so the animals will trust them if they ever have to approach in an emergency situation.

All things Moo Deng seem to be a hit. From cute fanart, to phone charms to makeup looks, she’s inspired several creatives around the world. Major brands like Pokémon and Jurassic World have also hopped on the trend.

Khao Kheow Zoo has seen an uptick in visitors ever since Moo Deng’s rise to fame. Recently the zoo has announced they’ll be setting up a 24/7 livestream of Moo Deng and her mum Jonah, so it’s even easier to check what she’s up to.

Moo Deng is an icon who continues to put smiles on faces of people around the world.