In just three short weeks, a tiny, two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng has become the star attraction at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, generating a staggering THB12 million (RM1.5 million) in ticket sales.
Her charm lies in her playful nature and adorable expressions, which have captured the hearts of people across the globe.
The baby hippo’s sudden fame, amplified by her frequent appearances on live streams, has brought a wave of visitors to the zoo between 1 September and 19 September. As crowds continue to flock to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng, the zoo expects to bring in as much as THBn 200 million (RM25 million), with close to a million visitors anticipated.
Moo Deng’s influence has even extended beyond the zoo’s gates, inspiring a line of merchandise, including hippo-themed T-shirts and pants, which will soon be available for purchase at the zoo.
Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo's director, is confident that Moo Deng’s rising popularity will attract even more tourists from countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea.
To give fans around the world a chance to enjoy Moo Deng’s antics, the zoo has launched a 24-hour livestream on zoodiolive.com. On 20 September alone, over 44,000 viewers tuned in to watch her playful behaviour.
For those visiting in person, the best time to catch Moo Deng in action is early in the morning, between 7:45 am and 9am, when she’s usually full of energy, running around as her pen is cleaned. Visitors are given five minutes to admire her, with many happily queuing up for another chance.
Moo Deng’s daily routine is as entertaining as it is unpredictable. While her schedule can vary depending on her mood, here’s a glimpse of her usual day:
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8am - 9am: Moo Deng wakes up for a bath and waits for her mother to eat breakfast.
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9am - 10am: She shows off by walking around before heading to the water for a nap.
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10am - 12.30pm: A long nap in the water.
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12.30pm - 1pm: She might get up for a stroll or continue napping on land.
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1pm - 1.30pm: More napping, this time on land.
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1.30pm - 2pm: Back to the water for another nap.
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2pm - 2.30pm: While Mum heads out for dinner, Moo Deng stays behind, napping.
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2.30pm - 5.30pm: Mum eats, while Moo Deng occasionally runs around before another nap.
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11pm - 12am: Playtime with Mum in the water.
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1am - 2am: Moo Deng drinks milk and mischievously disturbs her mother before settling down for the night.
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2am - 7am: A deep, peaceful sleep.
With her irresistible personality, Moo Deng has not only boosted ticket sales but has also become a beloved icon, making Khao Kheow Open Zoo the go-to destination for animal lovers from around the world.
