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Thailand’s rosy-cheeked and chubby celebrity hippopotamus is popping one yr old today – and the zoo goes all out for her first yr.
Pygmy hippo Moo-Deng, a reputation which translates to ‘bouncy pork’, was dubbed an ‘icon’ and ‘legend’ by Time Magazine by the point she was two months old, and has amassed thousands and thousands of followers.
She lives in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, and gained fame for her sassy antics, including biting her keepers and making unforgettable faces.
1000’s of individuals are actually coming to the zoo for a four-day festival to have fun the little hippo’s big day.
Activities on the festival include a lecture on ‘Moo Deng’s cheekiness’, and skincare suggestions (Miss Moo sparked a beauty craze last yr because of her glow).
There’s also an auction for a few of her belongings – whatever those is likely to be – and a large £3,300 fruit cake shall be presented to her as a present.
One among Moo Deng’s keepers, Attaphol Nundee, said: ‘Moo Deng was once very naughty and jumped around on a regular basis. Now she only eats and sleeps.’
Though the web icon’s popularity has slowed a bit as she grew, she still has a loyal fan base and her own line of merchandise.
But her popularity has helped raise awareness of her species, which is listed as endangered. Estimates from the Pygmy Hippo Foundation suggest there are currently not more than 2,000 living within the wild.
Attaphon added: ‘I hope that the cuteness of Moo-Deng will raise awareness for people to come back and learn concerning the species.’
The cute hippo has siblings also named after pork – Moo Wan, which implies Thai sweet pork; Pha Lor, which implies pork belly stew; and Moo Tun, which implies stewed pork.
When you’re unable to have fun Moo Deng’s first birthday together with her in Thailand, yow will discover a pygmy hippo closer to home.
Edinburgh Zoo hippos Gloria and Otto welcomed wee Haggis last October, with staff saying she could be a bit ‘ambassador’ for her species.
Haggis has a little bit of a personality as well – her keepers previously told Metro she was feisty and fun.
Metro spoke to Penny Jack, a hoofstock keeper who works with Haggis, about how the zoo will have fun the infant hippo’s first Christmas.
Hoofstock staff help with animals including giraffes, hippos, rhinos, zebras, antelopes and other hoofed species.
Jack said: ‘She’s definitely feisty enough – she takes after her mum – but Otto is a chill dad. He normally lies down and keeps himself cozy.
‘The women will join him in the event that they’re within the mood to, otherwise Gloria tells him that she needs space so he’ll leave her and the infant to it.’
Get in contact with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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