Baby Pygmy Hippo has Become So Famous People Are Lining Up in Droves to Meet Her

An adorable baby Pygmy Hippo named Moo Deng was born at a zoo in Thailand, and people lined up in droves to meet her.

The Pygmy Hippo was born on July 10 at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and it didn't take long for her to become an icon because she really is that cute. Take a look!

Moo Deng was given her name after 20,000 Facebook users in August answered a poll, and it was the winning name, CNN reports.

Related: Hippos at Cincinnati Zoo Play Real Life 'Hungry Hungry Hippos' with Rain Drops

Moo Deng was born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo to mother Jona and father Tony, and she became an icon really fast.

In the two months since her birth, she's created a huge following on social media, including TikTok, Facebook, and X.

If you haven't seen any video clips or photos of her yet, you'll understand why she's become an internet phenomenon—she's silly, expressive, and just so cute.

"Moo Deng is said to be an unusually playful hippo, but the secret of her mass appeal is simple—she’s really cute, more like a Pokemon than a real creature," Forbes explains.

Unfortunately, with her internet fame on the rise, people are also taking the opportunity to visit Moo Deng at the zoo, which has caused a "fan frenzy in Thailand," BBC reports.

According to BBC , the zoo's "visitor numbers have doubled since her birth in July, according to Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

"With the increase in people coming to the zoo, some are mistreating the animal. There have been reports of people splashing water on Moo Deng to try and wake her up or people throwing shellfish, according to BBC.

"These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous," Narongwit Chodchoi said in an online statement.

"We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment."

More Details About Pygmy Hippos

According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ), Pygmy Hippos are considered "endangered."

An estimated 2,000 to 2,400 mature individuals are in the wild, and the population continues to trend down. Several factors contribute to the declining population.

"Deforestation represents the biggest threat to Pygmy Hippos, with forests within their historical range having been steadily logged, farmed, converted to plantations, and settled, the ICUN notes. Mining in the area has also led to decreased population for the Pygmy Hippos.

Pygmy hippos are half the size of a non-Pygmy hippo, reaching 27 to 31 inches, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation .

When baby Pygmy Hippos are born, they weigh 10-14 pounds. "Calves then remain with the mother until weaning, hiding near the water as the mother leaves to forage for food," the foundation explains.

"Weaning occurs between six and eight months of age. Accurate lifespan is not known, but it is believed that they live between 30-50 years old."