Watch: Viral baby pygmy hippo who has inspired make-up looks, merchandise and more

A baby pygmy hippo that has become the darling of social media in the past few weeks is being harrassed by visitors, forcing Thai zoo officials to add more security around its enclosure. The two-month-old hippo was born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi on June 10.

Named Moo Deng, which translates to “bouncy pork”, she became an instant hit after her clips went viral on TikTok. People are swooning over the cute little thing who has two siblings, Moo Tun, meaning “stewed pork”, and Moo Wan, meaning “sweet pork”. 

People voted to choose her name after she was unveiled at the zoo on July 25. 

The baby hippo has garnered popularity not only in Thailand but also in other countries. The zookeeper told The Guardian the moment Moo-Deng was born, he vowed to make her famous.  “I never expected it would spread abroad. I thought she could be famous in Thailand but not internationally,” zookeeper Atthapon Nundee told The Guardian.

However, the attention seems to be becoming a nuisance now for Moo Deng. People are deliberately disturbing the baby hippo to grab her attention and click pictures. A video on social media shows a visitor pouring water on her while she was asleep. People reportedly are also throwing food at her. 

Zoo officials have warned people not to indulge in such acts or they risk facing action. Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, calls such behaviour “cruel” and “dangerous,” and has asked visitors not to throw objects at her or make loud noises. Those behaving inappropriately might face legal action, he said, according to the Bangkok Post.

Surveillance cameras have been installed in the area and an officer watches over her. 

The adorable hippo grabs eyeballs no matter what she does. Whether she is showing off her new tooth, being carried around, showered with water or simply lying around – she draws oohhs and aahhs from visitors every time. 

Her popularity has led to an increase in the number of visitors, with Thai PBS reporting a footfall of 6,000 to 7,000 people on the weekends. 

Even TIME magazine took notice and has dubbed her “legend” and “the moment”. Fanart and merchandise have also followed. You can even find make-up looks inspired by Moo Deng.

Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, and reportedly only about 2,000 of them remain in the wild.