Thailand's Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng Is Now One: What Her Popularity Says About the Internet
Moo Deng at two months old on September 15, 2024. Photo: AFP
Thailand's pygmy hippo Moo Deng marked her first birthday on Thursday, leaving behind the animal infancy which boosted her to worldwide internet fame for her cute antics.
Crowds have been invited to a four-day festival at Khao Kheow Open Zoo where Moo Deng – meaning "Bouncy Pork" in Thai – frolicked to stardom and amassed five million social media fans.
The first day of the extravaganza falls on a Thai public holiday and the agenda includes a lecture on "Moo Deng's cheekiness" while a skincare beautician has paid $3,000 to sponsor her fruit-festooned cake.
Her handlers are also scheduled to auction off her belongings – but it is unclear what possessions Moo Deng has accumulated in her short life at the Chonburi province zoo a two-hour drive from Bangkok.
There were hopes her stardom would spotlight the plight of the endangered pygmy hippo, native to West Africa with only around 2,500 left alive according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
But social media and search engine metrics suggest Moo Deng's popularity peaked around late September last year before dramatically declining.
"Moo Deng went viral very quickly when she was born," said Joshua Paul Dale, an academic who teaches courses on the phenomenon of "cuteness" at Japan's Chuo University.
"Maybe part of our appreciation of cuteness is knowing that it's something that doesn't last very long," he told AFP.
Moo Deng's blubbery rose-blushed face launched a thousand memes and a plethora of merchandise including piggy banks, party shirts and popsicles – prompting her owners to trademark her likeness.
The pint-sized pachyderm quadrupled ticket sales for the zoo where her small and sparse enclosure was once broadcasted by a 24/7 livestream.
Moo Deng is part of a pantheon of captive animals who have enjoyed flash-in-the-pan popularity for their cuteness online, including Australia's Pesto the penguin and China's Hua Hua the panda.
Pygmy hippos have a lifespan of between 30 and 50 years.
While academic Dale predicts she may lose the limelight to longevity, he says Moo Deng could enjoy enduring appeal as fans recall "how unbearably cute she was when she was very, very small and just born".
"That can kind of continue on and affect our relationship with cute things, even when they grow up," he said.
The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Here's Why Richa Chadha Turned Vegan, Check Out Here Favourite Foods
Richa Chadha is known for her impeccable acting skills and versatile performances in films like Fukrey, Masaan and Gangs of Wasseypur. The actress is also committed to a healthier lifestyle, which has led her to make some significant changes, including adopting a vegan diet. In an interview with Vegan First, Richa revealed why she turned to a plant-based diet. The actress said, "I've always been vegetarian and I was slowly getting sick of dairy because I realised the dairy industry functions very differently from when our parents were consuming dairy and poultry products – in terms of mass production and numbers – so I decided to give that up altogether. So the transition from being vegetarian to vegan was not very difficult for me." Inspiring others to go vegan, Richa Chadha said, "The only suggestion I have is for people to use logic! We are human beings – we are not meant to consume milk from another mammal. So my only suggestion is, try it (vegan diet). I think it works…once you choose that option and see how light it is on your system, I don't think there'll be any going back!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richa Chadha (@therichachadha) The star also revealed her favourite vegan foods in a conversation with Pinkvilla. Richa expressed her love for home-cooked dal and chawal. Amritsari kulche with chole is also one of her favourite meals to have. The actress also shared that she appreciates the variety available in Thai and Asian cuisine, particularly dishes with tofu, broccoli and noodles. In addition to enjoying superfood salads, she often has herbs and fruits from a small organic garden she maintains at her home. What Are The Benefits Of A Vegan Diet A vegan diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre, can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. It can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, potentially lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Rich in antioxidants and fibre, a plant-based diet may help protect against certain cancers. It tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat, which can contribute to weight loss and a lower BMI. A vegan diet can positively impact the gut microbiome, which helps in improving digestion and overall health. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation throughout the body. A well-planned vegan diet can be rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre, potentially leading to increased energy levels and overall well-being. It is important to consult your doctor or nutritionist before making any major or drastic dietary changes, especially if you have any health concerns.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Prada Kolhapuri Sandals Row: Luxury Brand's Team Visits Kolhapur, Meets Artisans
Global luxury fashion brand Prada recently faced criticism after showcasing Kolhapuri-style slippers at Milan Fashion Week without acknowledging their origins. In response, a team of Prada representatives visited Kolhapur to engage with local artisans and understand the traditional craftsmanship of Kolhapuri visit aimed to address the backlash that arose after Prada referred to the traditional footwear as leather garments and not as Kolhapuri chappals. Source: AFP & ANINews18 Mobile App -
Mint
7 hours ago
- Mint
Weekend food plan: Buzz-worthy restaurants to try in your city
From Goa to Mumbai, Fireback has finally opened its doors to offer Mumbaikars a unique Thai food experience — one that packs a punch for sure. Bold, spicy and indulgent is what one can expect from a meal at the newest outpost by EHV International, the group behind Indian Accent, Comorin, HOSA and Chor Bizarre. The menu stands out, especially the curries — fiery yet addictive, unfamiliar yet distinctive. Go for the chicken golae, that are essentially grilled skewers coated with a sweet-savoury glaze, and served with a flavourful ajad, a relish of chillies, onions and cucumber. The lamb Massaman is flavourful and comes with potatoes. The mango sticky rice and Thai roti pancake with condensed milk and banana put a sweet end to a memorable meal. Where: Fireback, Nilaya Anthology, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai Cocktail at Latango. Latango is Delhi's newest hotspot for classic European fare. Conceptualised by Sahil Sambhi (of Japonico, Bawri, Berlin and Vietnom), the menu is helmed by Italian chefs Roberto Blondi and Joe Stanchi, who bring their vast knowledge and expertise of European cuisine for the first time in India. The food nods to the farm-to-table philosophy, and bears influences from the chefs' extensive travels across the region. There's fresh stracciatella cheese to savour, scallop sashimi reinterpreted through their memories, an Atlantic crab tagliolini from the coast of Italy, Parisian omelettes, Andalusian seabass ajo blanco, octopus salad, and of course, tiramisu. Where: Latango, 01 Epicuria, TDI South Bridge, Nehru Place, New Delhi Contact: +91-9289859289 A dish from Paashh. From the leafy lanes of Kalyani Nagar in Pune, to Bandra's quiet Portuguese neighbourhood, is Paashh — a restaurant that channels slow cooking and mindful eating. The brainchild of Vaishali Karde, the menu is vegetarian, and has a mix of vegan dishes thoughtfully curated by chef Vinod Warade, who takes special pride in cooking with seasonal, organic produce including heirloom grains sourced from farms around Pune. Expect multigrain thalipeeth, dal pakwan nachos, charred pumpkin kebabs, terrain salad of butternut squash and grilled brie, and a spicy kulith saar with crunchy kurdai, a type of string papad from Maharashtra. The space has been restored to preserve its original charm, and doubles up as a boutique store showcasing food, clothing and home decor products. Where: Paashh, Cecilia Shelter, off Carter Road, Shirley, Pali Hill, Bandra, Mumbai Contact: +91-9545810001
