In one of the best news stories of 2024, a baby pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand has become the newest superstar. Her name is Moo Deng and she is an icon. While adorable and funny animals easily capture the hearts of the internet, Moo Deng the pygmy hippo has captured the hearts of the world (too dramatic?). Her roly-poly little self and diva personality have since spawned an empire. Between Moo Deng memes, Moo Deng merch, an SNL appearance and even a Moo Deng cryptocurrency (not joking!), the pygmy has wormed her way into the Internet Hall of Fame. Read on below for everything you need to know about our girl Moo Deng and we’ve even rounded up some cute Moo Deng merch, should you find yourself as smitten as we are.
Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng is the animal of the moment — and a bit of a diva. She’s a 3-month-old female pygmy hippo from Thailand who is just living her best life playing in the water, munching on some food and looking cute as hell. Moo Deng roughly translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, which couldn’t be more appropriate. Fun fact: She has siblings named Moo Wan (sweet pork) and Moo Tun (stewed pork). Yes, they’re all chonky.
Where did Moo Deng come from?
The youngest of seven, Moo Deng was born on July 10, 2024 to her mama, Jona, and dad, Tony. (This makes her a Capricorn, which means she’s an emotional little troublemaker.) She lives at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and has become a bonafide celebrity after the zoo started posting about the pygmy on its Facebook, X and YouTube pages, as well as zookeeper Atthapon Nundee’s TikTok page.
The zoo told Reuters in September that they used to get around 800 visitors per day. Now, thanks to Moo Deng, they’re seeing 3,000 to 4,000 visitors on weekdays and 20,000 visitors on weekends.
How did Moo Deng become a virally popular superstar?
From her feisty personality, squishy and bouncy body and well-hydrated skin, it’s clear why Moo Deng became an internet star. She first became meme-worthy after Nundee started to post TikToks of the pygmy hippo mimicking her mom, chomping at a hose and biting the knee of a zookeeper. The videos have since won over, well, everyone and have racked up millions of views across all social media platforms.
Since then, brands and sports teams have hopped on the Moo Deng train, like the Phoenix Suns. Even Sephora Thailand posted tips on how to get Moo Deng’s pink blush look. She was also spotted on the Emmys red carpet and showed up on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live (okay, maybe it was just Bowen Yang as Moo Deng, but it was still amazing). If you missed Moo Deng on SNL, watch it below:
What is a pygmy hippopotamus?
Moo Deng is small not just because she’s a baby, but because she’s a pygmy hippo. Native to West Africa, pygmies weigh less than one-fourth of the common hippo (which is one of the largest mammals on Earth). The pygmy hippo is actually an endangered species, with around only 2,000 remaining.
How can I watch the Moo Deng livestream?
Want to see Moo Deng living her best sassy life? There’s a 24/7 webcam at the zoo’s hippopotamus area where Moo Deng resides. Just scroll down a bit and click on the “Live Streaming” tab. Just keep in mind time zones! Moo Deng needs her beauty rest just as much as we do, so make sure to pop on when you know she’s awake.
If you’re in love with the pygmy hippo as much as we are, or know a Moo Deng superfan in your life, then you’d be happy to know that the internet is stocked with excellent Moo Deng merch. From a super relatable Moo Deng mug to the cutest Moo Deng Halloween costume, scroll below to shop our favorite “bouncy pork” merch.
Amazon
Is your dream to cuddle up with Moo Deng? Yeah, same. Unfortunately, that won’t happen, but this happy hippo plush toy is the next best thing. It’s 16 inches long, making it easy to carry and the ultimate snuggle buddy.Â
Etsy
Want a birthday card with bounce? Great news: a Moo Deng birthday card exists to wish your loved ones a very, very happy day. You can practically feel her energy radiating from the paper.Â
Amazon
Look, pretty much everyone is in their Moo Deng era right now — and we wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor Swift is too. This tee (which comes in ten colors and four fits) is excellent for Swifties and non-Swifties alike, especially if you’ve snagged an Eras Tour ticket. We just need to know whether Moo Deng is a 1989 or folklore girly.
Etsy
Whether you want this for yourself or gift it to a friend, this mug is just a fun time. Just like our gal Moo Deng, we all know what it’s like to feel hangry before breakfast and a cup of coffee. After a morning cup we wish you to feel as “full and moisturized” as happy little Moo Deng.
LIUQPASLI
No, your eyes do not deceive you! Moo Deng PJs actually exist. This two-piece set comes with long pants and a long-sleeved button-up shirt, is available in three colors and is covered in various photos and illustrations of our baby girl — including the infamous knee bite.Â
Amazon
Still need a Halloween costume? Moo Deng is right there. Slip on this soft hippo onesie and channel your inner pygmy diva. Bonus: it’s basically like wearing a sleeping bag, so you’ll be cozy all night long.Â
Psst: You can get a matching kids hippo costume too for the little Moo Deng fans in your life.Â
Etsy
For all of you Moo Deng and spooky season lovers out there, this Boo Deng sweatshirt will be your go-to all month long. How cute is it?! You can grab it in 10 different colors.Â
Etsy
Even though she’s only a few months old, we can already tell that Moo Deng is going to love Christmas (even though she’s probably on the naughty list). Liven up your tree with this holiday ornament and your home will be blessed with Moo Deng energy all season long.Â