The miniature hippopotamus named Moo Deng, residing in Thailand, has recently gained notoriety online. However, her caretaker expresses concerns over her newfound popularity.
The miniature newcomer at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, situated east of Bangkok's capital, has become an internet sensation since the zoo staff started sharing glimpses of her daily life online.
When she's not munching on grapes, she's playfully rolling around or cooling off in Thailand's sweltering heat.
It's also evident from social media clips that she enjoys gnawing on her handlers' knees during shower time, attracting millions of views.
"Her adorability and peculiar habits are what draws tourists," Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo director, told CNN.
As reported by social media, Moo Deng has boosted the zoo's visitor count by at least 30%, according to Narongwit. However, her fame has also brought unsettling disturbances into her life, leading the director to issue a cautionary statement.
"Some tourists have exhibited inappropriate behavior. One individual poured water on her, while another threw a shell at Moo Deng while she was lying down," he pointed out.
He implored tourists to exhibit sensitivity and warned of legal action against anyone harming the infant hippo sensation.
Despite continued in-person appeal, Moo Deng's most significant fame has emerged online.
A highly popular video posted on Facebook – depicting her stretching and seemingly enjoying a pat on her chin from her keeper – has amassed over 5.8 million views so far.
"She's a star," wrote enamored fan Aom Worawan on Facebook.
Another admirer, Napatsawan Balee, described her as a "superstar reincarnated as a hippo."
"She became famous the moment she was born," they wrote. "Haha, so cute!!!"
Moo Deng's name translates to "bouncy pig" in Thai and is a common pork dish known for its chewy texture. The name was chosen by 20,000 Facebook users in an August poll upon her birth, revealed the zoo.
Moo Deng was born on July 10 to mother Jona and father Tony, who had previously given birth to Moo Toon and Moo Warn, both named after popular Thai dishes.
Native to West Africa, pygmy hippos are miniature relatives of the full-sized hippopotamus. Around 2,000 pygmy hippos continue to inhabit the wild, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast, according to the UK-based Pygmy Hippo Foundation.
Narongwit advises visiting Moo Deng during her most active times at the zoo. The best times to watch her in action are between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., when her enclosure is being cleaned, and in the afternoon, when her mother is being fed, prompting Moo Deng to follow behind. Narongwit explains that she is extremely affectionate towards her mother, Jona.
Visitors often share their excitement about their travels, including a trip to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo to see the internet-famous hippo, Moo Deng.
Moo Deng's fame has led to an increase in travelers to the zoo, making it a popular destination for those eager to witness the adorable hippo sensation.
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