CHONBURI, Thailand – The ‘Moo Deng’ fever has taken over Khao Kheow Open Zoo, drawing crowds of eager visitors during the weekend, September 14. The adorable baby hippo, nicknamed ‘Moo Deng’, has become an instant sensation, with many tourists lining up even before the zoo opens to catch a glimpse of the tiny, bouncy creature.
A Facebook page, Ka Moo and the Gang, shared photos of the long lines of visitors waiting to see Moo Deng early in the morning with the caption, “08:00 – What are they here to see? The visitors came at 8, but the caretakers start at 8:30.”
Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s official page also posted pictures showing the packed zoo, filled with tourists eager to see the famous baby hippo.
Moo Deng is a female pygmy hippopotamus, just over two months old, born on July 10, to 25-year-old mother Jona and 24-year-old father Tony. She is the sibling of Moo Toon, the zoo’s superstar hippo, and the seventh child born to the hippo couple at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
The baby hippo’s popularity has skyrocketed, not just in Thailand but internationally as well. Moo Deng’s irresistible cuteness has captured attention in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. International media outlets such as TIME, The Guardian, and BBC News have also covered the viral phenomenon, propelling Moo Deng to global stardom.
For those wanting to meet Moo Deng up close and personal, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Narongwit Chatchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has kindly requested visitors to respect the baby hippo by observing her during her awake hours and to avoid throwing objects into the enclosure. He emphasized the importance of respecting animals and following the zoo’s guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. The zoo has also installed CCTV cameras and deployed staff to monitor visitors, ensuring no harm comes to the animals. Any violations against the animals will be dealt with through legal action.
Visitors are reminded to respect zoo etiquette, refrain from yelling or throwing objects at the animals, and follow all rules for a responsible and enjoyable experience.
The zoo has capitalized on Moo Deng’s popularity by preparing to launch a limited edition pair of pants, featuring the adorable hippo. The pants’ design has already garnered substantial interest from fans, requesting merchandise featuring other animals at the zoo.
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