Thailand zoo defends viral baby hippo Moo Deng against Peta’s captivity claims

Moo Deng’s online celebrity status has spawned memes, souvenirs and footwear. The hippo’s popularity also led to a surge in the zoo’s income from ticket sales, reaching about 19.2 million baht (US$587,000) between September 1 and 25.

To avoid overcrowding at her enclosure, the zoo has limited Moo Deng’s viewing time to five minutes per visitor and launched a 24-hour live stream for fans worldwide.

A local company introduced Moo Deng-inspired flip-flops priced at 199 baht per pair, claiming they “make you bounce when you wear them”.