Moo Deng: Asia’s new conservation “it girl”

 

Art by Sean Matthew Parra

By Sean Matthew Parra

Anyone can become an internet star, even a squishy, purple-pink, toothless baby pygmy hippo. At just two months old, Moo Deng has taken over everyone’s social media feeds. Whether she's chewing on her handler's knee or sitting on her water tub, she's been referred to as "just a girl."

Moo Deng's rise to internet stardom was rapid. When her handlers posted short videos of her on TikTok and Instagram, a photo of her wide-eyed shocked face as she was sprayed with water went viral, generating over 4.6 million views in just a few weeks.

Fanart and memes quickly flooded social media, solidifying her status as the internet's new "it girl." Makeup companies, such as Sephora Thailand, also joined in the trend as they shared recommendations for blushes the same shade as Moo Deng's pink cheeks. 

While her expressive face and small body has gone viral, Moo Deng's fame has brought attention to something more serious - the dire situation of pygmy hippos in the wild and other endangered wildlife living in Zoos far from their native habitats.

Pygmy hippos are classified as endangered, with fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild. They are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa but are rarely out and about according to the World Wildlife Foundation (2024). 

Unlike their larger cousins, pygmy hippos live mostly solitary lives. This leaves them at greater risk of habitat destruction, poaching, and human encroachment.

Moo Deng's fame has also highlighted the role of modern zoos in conservation and the challenges they face in doing so. 

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng was born, has long been a proponent of wildlife conservation. The Zoo runs breeding programs for endangered species like pygmy hippos and clouded leopards. However, they have faced budget constraints that affected the welfare of the animals in the zoo.

Recently, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo has moved to trademark the hippo to prevent her image from being used by others. This is because Moo Deng merchandise has already appeared online before the zoo could benefit from it financially.

The zoo is set to launch T-shirts this week. According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi, the income from the merchandise will go toward improving the hippo's enclosure and the welfare of all the animals in the zoo.

References:

World Wildlife Fund. (2024). Why are pygmy hippos so small? And 6 other pygmy hippo facts. WWF.org. https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/why-are-pygmy-hippos-so-small-and-6-other-pygmy-hippo-facts