I would lay down my life for Moo Deng, but who actually is the viral baby hippo?

True love and relationships come and go, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the pygmy hippo Moo Deng is without a doubt my soulmate. I feel a love for her like nothing I have ever experienced, and I would protect this baby hippo with my life.

I think I speak for every person who has been blessed enough to see a photo of her that she is perhaps one of the best things to have graced the internet. We’ve probably all seen her all over our Twitter, and if you haven’t you’re in for the treat of a lifetime, but who actually is Moo Deng the viral baby hippo everyone is beyond obsessed with?

moo deng is a lifestyle icon and i need all of yall to get onboard:

– inexplicably moist at all times
– slightly blurry in most photos
– probably screaming or sleeping
– round pic.twitter.com/VtgOPf1PAS

— House ⚔️ gf haver (@mrmatthouse) September 11, 2024

Moo Deng is a two month old baby pygmy hippo born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, and recently went viral for looking mortified 24/7, I mean seriously, someone please give this hippo an Oscar. Her name was chosen by a vote and incredibly, it literally translates to “bouncy pig” as if I couldn’t get any more obsessed with this creature.

Obsessed with this one baby hippo that looks fucking MORTIFIED pic.twitter.com/0fE6BB5Kju

— Rel (RobotFucker) (@DewEnjoyer) September 6, 2024

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She’s so popular in fact that according to the zoo, visitor numbers have doubled since she was born but this hasn’t come without its share of negative consequences. According to the zoo’s director, cruel visitors have started throwing shellfish and splashing water onto Moo Deng to try and wake her up when she’s sleeping. Let the girl get her rest for god’s sake!

I WAS NOT EATING SAND pic.twitter.com/at2qFAqeO9

— hope hopes hoping (@hopes_revenge) September 12, 2024

In a statement, the director pleaded with visitors to stop mistreating the baby hippo and threatened to take legal action who continued their behaviour. He explained: “These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment. The best time to visit Moo Deng is when she is awake.”

moo deng doing the heavy lifting on representing the “bite your partner on the arm a little, as a bit” community pic.twitter.com/gtRM2CZzfJ

— daisy “dan goose” tackett (@fatstevebuscemi) September 12, 2024

And it seems the fame of Moo Deng is only skyrocketing as major brands are cashing in on the popularity of the baby hippo. The zoo has announced a new line of clothing merchandise entirely revolved around the hippo, and yes I will be buying every single item in the collection.

Sephora Thailand has started using her to advertise their blushes, telling people how to get the “Moo Deng blush look.” She’s a beauty influencer already and she doesn’t even know it. She’s a true icon and I genuinely cannot get enough of her.

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Featured images via Twitter before edits.