Surprisingly, a Pygmy Hippo has become a viral sensation on social media. Name Moo Deng, just two months old moonwalk took the internet by storm. This sensation is from the Kheo Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. More than an animal attraction it has now become a symbol of raising awareness about endangered species.
How It All Started
Moo Deng became a star when her moonwalking video surfaced online. The video clip showed Moo Deng moving backwards, reminding the legendary Michael Jackaon’s icon. Finally, the user’s opinions followed her moves and named it the “Moo-Walk”, further complimenting her for looking so cute. This focus on social networks earned her popularity all around the world and numerous visitors to the zoo.
High Traffic Soars at New Khao Kheow Open Zoo
It was since Moo Deng became one of the stars of the social network that the zoo received so many visitors. Many people have visited Thailand to see the baby hippo, and many people are even willing to join a long queue simply to have a glance at the baby hippo. Thailand is one of the best places to enjoy the wildlife. However, the zoo posted four times more revenue in the month of September, and Moo Deng will be credited for this. Currently, fans can only watch moo deng for 5 minutes in a single time. Due to a high turnout of people, the zoo decided to install a webcam that made it possible to monitor her round the clock online.
Merchandise and the Moo Deng Fever
The zoo has also benefited from Moo Deng by creating merchandise around the hippos. People can now buy T-shirts, trousers, and other wear adorned with the image of Moo Deng. People are willing to support their teams, and the products are moving off the shelves quickly. In fact, there are tutorials on the Web with instructions on how to turn Moo Deng–inspired craft OR how to make a hippo using crochet or a cake. The time that Moo Deng has brought in peoples’ lives has created charm and happiness for people from the four corners of the world.
Challenges Amidst Fame
Choreographer Svetlana Hwang’s community dance troupe is arguably one of the most popular groups in the country. However, not everyone is happy. The zoo has been accused of cruelty by the animal rights group PETA for detaining endangered animals such as Moo Deng. They wanted to know whether the fact that Moo Deng is cute means that animals born and kept in captivity are really happy, as the video portrayed. West African native pygmy hippo is listed as endangered, with estimates of only 2,000 to 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. While appreciating the fact that t having such animals in the zoo increases awareness, PETA has been very vocal in criticizing zoo keepers for using animals for such purposes.
The Future of Pygmy Hippo
With Moo Deng getting bigger and bigger, there’s no plan for this girl star slowing down anytime soon. She has turned into a performance element but also an example of a hope to repopulate her kind. By gaining fame people start appreciating the conservation of other animals that are in danger such as the pygmy hippo. A video of Moo Deng has also been put forward to get people worldwide to embrace conservation with the story displayed at the zoo.
The future for Moo Deng also remains promising because it is currently starting new merchandise lines, and it is likely that it will increasingly appear in the media. The zoo is actually planning to release more merchandise, especially those related to Moo Deng, since she is very popular among the zoo fan base. As for those who question the morality of her capture or imprisonment, Moo Deng is certainly raising awareness about the endangerment of certain species of wildlife. She has represented the pygmy hippo and hence made a point to ensure that future generations consider the pygmy hippo of importance.
Conclusion
This is the rags-to-riches narrative of Moo Deng. Born as a baby pygmy hippo at a zoo in Thailand, she has attracted people to visit and followers from across the globe. She has been a money spinner for the zoo by attracting all sorts of people to come and perhaps learn a lesson on the conservation of endangered species. As more videos enter her future, and merchandise we have yet to see, Moo Deng’s impact will most certainly remain educational. As we see her playing, joking around, and with her amazing attitude unlike any other she has been able to change the world and teach many about conservation and the value of protecting wildlife.
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