A zoo two hours south of Bangkok that normally sees about 800 visitors a day is now getting 3-4,000 visitors a day, and 20,000 over a weekend—all to see the zoo’s new star, a baby hippo named Moo Deng, or ‘bouncing pig.’
Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncing pig” in Thai, has millions of fans on social media following her clumsily charming adventures, including trying to nibble her handler despite still lacking teeth.
The director of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo told reporters “Moo Deng fever means we will have organize better so all visitors can see her.” There will also be measures needed to deal thoughtless visitors who have thrown water or bananas at her to try to get her attention.