September 20, 2024
It was beyond expectation.
Thailand’s Khao Kheow zookeeper Atthapon Nundee on the worldwide fame of the zoo’s two-month-old pygmy hippo, Moo Deng.
Why It Matters: Baby hippo Moo Deng’s viral fame may soon help other animals at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo through a patent. Moo Deng is part of a conservation program at the zoo dedicated to increasing the population of endangered species like her. In fact, estimates show that there are no more than 3,000 remaining pygmy hippos outside of captivity due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
Moo Deng’s viral status has already increased attendance at the zoo from around 3,800 to over 14,000 weekly, and now the zoo has another way she can support its animal programs: by selling exclusive Moo Deng merchandise after protecting “Moo Deng the hippo” through a copyright and trademark. “After we do this, we will have more income to support activities that will make the animals’ lives better,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said.
Did You Know? In Thai, Moo Deng means “bouncy pork,” and reflects the many bouncy movements the hippo is seen making on social media.
Read More: Moo Deng, adored pygmy hippo, may get her own patent (ABC)
Image Credit: Khao Kheow Open Zoo / X
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
