Viral Baby Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng Is So Popular She's Working on Obtaining Her Own Patent

Mar. 15, 2025

Better get thoseMoo Deng memesout of your system!

Carola Frentzen/picture alliance via Getty

Since going viral from adorable posts on the zoo’sInstagramandTikTokaccounts, Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus, has appeared almost everywhere. Brands likeSephoraand theNew York Mets have used her likeness.

LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty

Now, because of Moo Deng’s surging popularity, zoo guests arelimited to a 5-minute visitto her habitat on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that everybody gets a peek at the animal without stressing her out.

The pygmy hippopotamus is an endangered species with a decreasing population due to poaching and habitat changes, according tothe IUCN Red List. Experts estimate there are 2,000-3,000 mature pygmy hippos left in the wild.

“I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally,” he said.

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“I hope that the cuteness of Moo-Deng will raise awareness for people to come and learn about [the species],” Nundee shared.

source: people.com