A star is born.
Baby pygmy hippo Moo Daeng has become an overnight sensation at the Thai zoo where she was born, thanks to massive publicity on social media – but now officials are pleading with fans to respect the adorable two-month-old's privacy.
Visitors to the Khao Khio Open Zoo, hoping for their own viral video moments, are heading to the enclosure, which is home to the dwarf-sized creature of West African origin, expecting a show – and when the newborn wants to take a nap, they behave badly, Wire Report.
Mu Deng, whose name means “jumping pig”, had to endure having things such as shells thrown at him by thoughtless zoo guests, while others splashed water on him to wake him up.
“These practices are not only cruel but also dangerous,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said in a statement posted online. “We must protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Things have gotten to the point where the zoo has installed security cameras in Mu Deng's habitat and warned that those who fail to comply will face legal action.
Mu Deng's popularity has led to the zoo seeing a doubling of weekend visitors – from 3,000 to close to 7,000, it is estimated. Thai PBS World,
Only 3,000 of the endangered species remain.
Online, viral video of Mu Deng as himself It has gone viral very fast Also for the adorable nature of the hippopotamus.
On the zoo's Instagram, a video of their most welcome newcomer has been viewed millions of times, Some put the number at as high as 30 million,
Even major brands like Sephora Thailand are getting into the mix. The makeup company told social media followers to “wear your blush like a baby hippo.”
