Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo has seen its fair share of viral fame lately, all thanks to Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo whose antics have captivated the hearts of internet users worldwide. This four-month-old hippo gained immense popularity on social media since her debut, especially after zoo officials posted photos of her on their Facebook page back in July 2024. Viewers were instantly charmed by her playful personality, igniting a wave of enthusiasm with fans booking flights to the country just to catch a glimpse of the little star.
Moo Deng isn't just another cute animal trending on social media; she’s become the face of rising conversations surrounding animal welfare and the ethics behind keeping wildlife, particularly those as endearing as her, within captivity. This newfound fame came with unexpected challenges. For many visitors, the expectations of constantly witnessing her playful, energetic self clashed with the reality of her natural behaviors. Like any young animal, Moo Deng needs her rest, but the immense crowds drawn to her presence often led to frustration and, sadly, irresponsible behavior from some visitors, including throwing garbage her way when she opted for nap time instead of playtime.
Ashar Belanger, a third-year commerce student, recalls visiting Moo Deng during his trip to Thailand and sharing, "The fact I was in the same country as her made it a mandatory event to go see her." Yet, not everyone left the zoo feeling satisfied. Some visitors have voiced their disappointment at Moo Deng being less active than they anticipated, leading action such as harassment to arise. Just recently, as Moo Deng was spotted sleeping at the zoo, some frustrated onlookers resorted to throwing items at her enclosure, hoping to entice her awake.
"These behaviors reflect the potential downside of social media fame," said Kendra Coulter, who coordinates the animal ethics and sustainability leadership program at Huron University College. “While cute animal content can be charming and entertaining, it also breeds unrealistic expectations of wild animals living within these controlled environments. Visitors may lose sight of the natural instincts and needs these creatures exhibit and require.”
The zoo's management has had to take additional steps to protect Moo Deng. These measures included installing more security cameras, placing signs instructing people not to disturb her, limiting group sizes, and capping viewing times at just five minutes to help keep things manageable and less stressful for both Moo Deng and her visitors.
Many visitors have shared how sweet and calm Moo Deng was during their interactions. Belanger noted, "She seemed pretty happy, no signs of her being mistreated at all. There wasn’t much interaction with visitors, and the zookeepers weren’t around to effectuate any active engagement either." These precautions seem to align with the feedback from zookeepers about Moo Deng’s behavior, with some improvements noted since steps were taken to limit the number of visitors at any one time.
But the recent surge of visitors has also brought up stark realities about the plight of animals held within captivity. Moo Deng's cuteness and the zoo's profits are undeniably linked, yet Coulter stresses the unfortunate trade-off here: the happiness of the animal versus the exploitation of its popularity. Many are quick to love on Moo Deng's captivating smile and roly-poly exterior without fully grasping the situation she faces day-to-day.
“Wild animals kept outside their natural habitats rarely have their physical, psychological, and social needs adequately met,” Coulter continued. She emphasizes how every withdrawal from the wild is not only detrimental to the animal but also contributes to unduly romanticizing the notion of keeping wild animals as pets or attractions. “When people pay to see her, take their selfies, and leave, they may forget what happens next for her and what's at stake.”
The zoo's ability to navigate such popularity may have some lessons to shed on animal welfare practices more broadly. While some hope to see continued growth and opportunities for wildlife education surrounding such sensations, there’s also increased scrutiny on the management of animals like Moo Deng. Cuteness might attract visitors, but the focus should ideally shift toward genuine advocacy for the welfare and conservation of these animals.
Zoos across the globe are now facing tougher questions about their practice of housing exotic wildlife. The scenario surrounding Moo Deng might just be the catalyst needed to change perception and accountability concerning animals kept for human entertainment. Moo Deng might be enjoying her newfound fame, but it’s also clear she is emblematic of much greater concerns tied to ethics and animal rights.”
