Meet Mu Deng, the endangered pygmy hippopotamus and the latest Thai zoo sensation
Nature
20.09.2024 Thailand Pattaya   28
Meet Mu Deng, the endangered pygmy hippopotamus and the latest Thai zoo sensation

Thailand Zoo has been getting all the attention lately, and for good reason. A baby hippopotamus named Mu Deng, which means "jumping pig", is causing excitement among fans across the country. A video of a two-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus instantly went viral, drawing huge crowds to a zoo near Pattaya. Reports say people start lining up from 7am to meet the hippopotamus.


Reports also say that since her birth in July, the number of visitors to Khao Kheo Open Zoo has doubled. But the zoo director also expressed concern and urged visitors to act responsibly when meeting Mu Deng, as there are reports of abuse that have also been captured in videos that are circulating online.

Born on July 10, Mu Deng is the seventh descendant of his mother, Jonah, and father, Tony. Mu Deng's playful behavior and her charming interactions with zoo workers have made her a viral sensation.


Mu Deng's influence is not only limited to social media, but has also increased the zoo's attendance by 30% since her arrival. To meet public demand and publicity, the zoo plans to introduce a 24-hour livestream that will broadcast its daily activities. Referring to this, Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said that since the place is visited by a large number of fans, they are planning this 24-hour live broadcast for all those who cannot physically be here. He also added that Mu Deng remains most active from 8 a.m. until about 9 a.m., when zookeepers clean her enclosure and give her breakfast, and in the early evening when she is given food again.


To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, the zoo allows guests to interact with Mu Deng for a maximum of five minutes and has established rules to prevent inappropriate behavior such as throwing objects or splashing water.


Mu Deng's charm has crossed boundaries to conquer hearts in China and Japan, where fans create illustrations praising her cuteness.


Amid all the hype, however, it is important to recognize that pygmy hippopotamuses, native to West Africa, are classified by the International Nature Conservation Union as "endangered". There are an estimated 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, and these unique creatures take three to five years to reach maturity. Mu Den serves not only as a source of joy, but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving wildlife.

Source: timesofindia

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