By Maci Taylor, Guest Writer

Moo Deng is an inspiration. Moo Deng is an icon. Moo Deng is just a girl. 

A two-month-old Pygmy hippopotamus has taken the internet by storm. Moo Deng whose name means “bouncy pork” in Thai, has been at the epicenter of internet memes since her viral interactions with her zookeepers became public.

Moo Deng’s screaming, upset persona has created relatable content for the internet to consume. She can be seen refusing to bathe, falling down and deciding not to get up and diligently trying to munch on vegetation without teeth. Moo Deng has the courage to do what humans cannot: unleash her free spirit. 

In the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, visitors have been relentless to get a glimpse of her. The immensely growing popularity of Moo Deng has caused the zoo to limit public access of her enclosure to five-minute windows during weekends. The zoo has been receiving over 4,000 visitors during weekdays, an increase from around 800 previously and they receive more than 10,000 during the weekend, another increase from around 3,000. Guests stare longingly into the exhibit waiting for a run, a “nom-nom,” or even a little body jiggle from Moo Deng.

On the internet, various companies, brands and movies have been using images of Moo Deng. She can be seen with her mother Jona, on the cover of Vogue, roaming with the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and in a Sephora makeup tutorial video. Miss Moo Deng has been making money moves.

All of Moo Deng’s popularity has led to a spread of knowledge of pygmy hippopotamuses. X account @brookfield_zoo posted, “Pygmy hippos are having their moment and we are here for it!.” This species of hippopotamus has been classified as an endangered species with only around 2,000-3,000 left around the world. Their numbers have been declining as their habitats are being destroyed and they continue to be hunted for bushmeat.

 Internet sensation Moo Deng has created awareness and promoted conservation efforts for this beautiful species. 

Although Moo Deng has been a symbol for the Pygmy hippopotamus species, she does not embody “normal” traits of Pygmys. Most Pygmys are classified as nocturnal and reclusive, but Moo Deng’s extroversion and energetic behaviors show a different side of this type of hippo.

The internet has been in awe of the absolute cuteness and preciousness of this baby hippo. It is not surprising that in times of global division and conflict, the internet gravitated towards a lovable, harmless creature. 

X account @BarstoolBigCat stated, “I’m nervous so I’m looking at pictures of Moo Deng to calm me down.”

 Another X account, @DaveOshry, said, “I love that no matter how shit the internet gets we can all occasionally come together to appreciate a really cute animal. Luv u Moo Deng.”

Moo Deng is a symbol of hope and peace in this world. She represents the pure joy humans can have when they look at the natural world around them. Humans should take a page out of Moo Deng’s book: have fun and look amazing doing it.