As the U.S. presidential election approached, Moo Deng, an adorable pygmy hippo from Thailand, captured the spotlight as an unexpected predictor of the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. During a lighthearted event at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Moo Deng was offered two fruit cakes, each labeled with one of the candidates’ names. Without hesitation, she selected the cake designated for Trump, indicating her playful “endorsement” of the Republican contender.
In a video that quickly went viral, initially shared by the New York Post and reported by various news outlets on November 4, zookeepers showcased Moo Deng’s election prediction skills. With two watermelons available, she gravitated towards the one that had Trump’s name carved into it. Without any hesitation, the baby hippo waddled over to the chosen watermelon and began to munch on it.
Moo Deng, famous baby hippo, predicts Donald Trump will win the election. pic.twitter.com/UqUnRhU0Nr
— The Rabbit Hole (@TheRabbitHole84) November 4, 2024
While Moo Deng’s choice may stir debate among Trump’s supporters, her popularity stems from her internet fame in Thailand. Although not a U.S. citizen and thus unable to vote, Moo Deng has nonetheless captured the attention of American voters as they approach Election Day.
Moo Deng was born on July 25 and quickly became a star on social media, thanks to her presence on various zoo accounts. The Instagram account @khamoo.andthegang, dedicated to Khamoo, an older hippo at the zoo, has seen a surge of videos featuring Moo Deng. This lively young hippo has managed to steal the spotlight from her older companions.
Her name, which translates to “bouncy pork,” has made her an endearing figure. As noted by Hoda Kotb on the Today show, Moo Deng is “redefining beauty standards” with her chubby pink cheeks and unique shape.
Moo Deng gained international recognition when Bangkok-born artist Yammi Saracino revealed that the Thai zoo was hosting a naming contest for her, with names like Moo Daeng and Moo Sap also in the running. Since then, she has humorously emerged as a “lifestyle icon,” particularly through a plethora of memes featuring her.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, zookeeper Atthapon Nundee’s videos of Moo Deng have significantly increased visitor numbers at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Weekday attendance has risen from around 800 to over 4,000 visitors, while weekends draw between 3,000 and 10,000 people eager to see the adorable hippo and her siblings. Moo Deng’s charming antics have clearly resonated with the public, turning her into a beloved sensation.
