With her glossy skin, blush-pink cheeks, and a belly that jiggles with every trot, Moo Deng is taking over social media feeds one adorable moment at a time.
The baby pygmy hippo is the internet’s latest obsession, and for good reason too.
Since her debut in July at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Moo Deng — whose name playfully translates to “bouncy pig” or “pork patty” in Thai — has skyrocketed to viral stardom.
Even Sephora Thailand is in on the action, launching a makeup look called “Dewy Hippo Glow,” inspired by her fresh, pink complexion. And yes, she already has her own Wikipedia page.
The Birth of an Internet Icon
Born on July 10, 2024, Moo Deng is the latest addition to the pygmy hippo family at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi. Proud parents Jona and Tony welcomed their seventh little bundle of joy, but it’s Moo Deng who’s stealing the spotlight. The zoo has experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors, with crowds lining up for hours just to catch a glimpse of the viral baby hippo.
Calling Moo Deng just an internet sensation doesn’t quite capture the magnitude of her impact. She’s been immortalised in memes, fashion campaigns, and even has her own celebrity status. Sensing a golden opportunity, the zoo has also cleverly launched a dedicated livestream for Moo Deng, allowing fans from around the globe to watch her daily antics unfold in real time.
How Did Moo Deng Take Over the Internet?
In short: Moo Deng’s allure is irresistible. With her plump, glossy physique and perpetually joyful expressions, she’s captured hearts around the world. Her fans have flooded social media with clips of her lounging in her pool, chomping on snacks, and occasionally screaming into the abyss — all in the name of cuteness. She’s become a soothing balm for the digital age, a reminder that sometimes all we need is a baby hippo to brighten our timelines.
But Moo Deng isn’t the only internet darling. Two other breakout animal stars have been making waves online: meet Pesto the Penguin and Biscuits the Seal.
Pesto the Penguin: The Chunky King of the South
Hailing from Australia’s Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Pesto the king penguin weighs an impressive 49 pounds and devours 25 fish a day. His size might be intimidating, but it’s not without reason—his dad Blake is the biggest penguin in the aquarium. Plus, Pesto’s loving parents have clearly spoiled him.
But Pesto’s size isn’t the only thing that’s made him famous—his frequent bathroom breaks have also become part of his lore. CNN reports that Pesto relieves himself every 15 minutes, keeping the staff on their toes with cleanup duties. Despite his, shall we say, messy habits, Pesto has fans lining up for merchandise featuring his adorable face, including plushies. Even pop star Katy Perry stopped by to meet him.
Biscuits the Seal: The Underdog We’re All Rooting For
While Moo Deng and Pesto have dominated headlines, Biscuits the seal is still waiting for her big break. Rescued near the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Biscuits was separated from her mother and weighed a mere 15 pounds when she was admitted to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Center.
Fast forward to today, and she’s thriving in rehab, growing stronger by the day.
Though Biscuits hasn’t quite reached viral stardom, her sad-eyed expression and adorable waddle have already captured the hearts of many. She’s currently in a larger pool, learning to compete with other seals for food and slowly preparing for her eventual release back into the wild. Disney, if you’re reading this, we think we’ve found your next heartwarming blockbuster.
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