In a delightful twist that has everyone going “aww,” a baby hippo in Thailand named Moo Deng is capturing hearts around the globe and creating a viral sensation that even inspired beauty brands like Sephora to promote products for that perfect “baby hippo blush.”

Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus, resides at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located just a couple of hours from Bangkok. With her chubby pink cheeks, adorable tummy rolls, and charming expressions, she has amassed millions of followers on social media. Fans eagerly tune in to watch her playful antics, which include many humorous attempts to nibble on her caretakers, despite her lack of teeth.

So, who exactly is Moo Deng?

Born on June 10 to her parents Jona and Tony, Moo Deng is part of a large family that includes two siblings named Pork Stew and Sweet Pork, making her the seventh offspring of this hippo couple. She shares the limelight with her sibling Moo Toon, another popular hippo, and is proudly the granddaughter of Malee, Thailand’s oldest hippo, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday! Remarkably, the average lifespan of a pygmy hippo is about 27 years, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, raising hopes for Moo Deng’s longevity.

Pygmy hippos originate from the forests and swamps of West Africa. Unlike their larger cousins, they are solitary and nocturnal, typically residing alone or in small family groups. Adult pygmy hippos can grow to about two and a half to three feet tall and can weigh anywhere between 350 to 600 pounds. Sadly, they are classified as endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild.

The frenzy over Moo Deng has not only sparked a social media revolution but also brought a tidal wave of visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Before Moo Deng’s rise to fame, the zoo would welcome about 800 visitors during the rainy season. Now, they’re seeing numbers surge to 3,000 to 4,000 on weekdays and even drawing nearly 20,000 visitors over the weekends! As a result, zoo director Narungwit Chodchoy warns that “Moo Deng fever” has made it essential to enhance visitor management to ensure everyone gets a chance to see her.

However, with fame comes challenges. Videos of visitors throwing shells and water at Moo Deng have prompted the zoo to tighten security measures. Staff has been increased during busy times, and monitoring systems have been installed to ensure her safety and well-being.

Moo Deng has even made her mark in advertising, inspiring campaigns from various brands, and is being hailed by internet users as a “lifestyle icon.” With her undeniable charm and growing popularity, Moo Deng isn’t just a cute baby hippo; she's quickly becoming a symbol of joy and innocence in our complex world.

As Moo Deng continues to spread happiness and light online and offline, one has to wonder: will she become the new face of the cutest animal influencer? Keep an eye on this chubby little star as she continues to captivate our hearts!