If you're online as often as we are, you may have seen an adorable baby pygmy hippo all over your social media feeds. If not, no worries. We are here to introduce you to the cuteness that is Moo Deng!
So, who is this new internet darling? Moo Deng is a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand. In late August, officials at the zoo allowed for patrons to vote for the baby hippo's name, with "Moo Deng," meaning "bouncy pork," taking first place.
Internet users from Thailand and beyond became enamored with this little hippo due to her round, cute face and the amusing reaction images that came from the zoo's posts. From her pudgy body to her love of nibbling on the hippo handlers, she has become an overnight sensation at the zoo and online. Moo Deng has led to the creation of countless memes made by people who have become obsessed with her overall *vibes*, leading to the zoo enforcing a strict five-minute time limit for guests trying to see Moo Deng in person (or... in hippo?) with thousands of zoogoers driving great distances to come to the zoo and see her.
After only a few weeks of fame, Moo Deng is already in her #InfluencerEra, with Sephora Thailand releasing recommendations on how to "Wear Your Blush Like a Baby Hippo." Other beauty influencers are jumping on the trend, making entire looks based on the baby hippo. All corners of the internet cannot get enough of her!
Want more of our new little friend? Don't worry! The Khao Kheow Open Zoo is planning to start a Moo Deng Cam, or a 24/7 livestream of the baby hippo, in the next few weeks so that fans across the country can meet this star. Moo Deng, we love you!