A 2-month-old pygmy hippopotamus has taken over the internet with her feisty antics and unbearably cute expressions.
"Moo Deng," which roughly translates to bouncy pig, is the new star at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, east of Bangkok. The young hippo was born on July 10 and introduced to the public two weeks later -- and she's been effortlessly capturing hearts around the world ever since.
The latest internet phenomenon, Moo Deng has racked up millions of views on TikTok, where her caretakers share videos of her everyday life. She has a dedicated legion of admirers who create endless fan art, memes and merchandise. She's also caused a frenzy at the zoo, where people line up for hours under the hot sun just to get a glimpse of her squishy face. Speaking of her face, it's become so famous that makeup company Sephora Thailand launched an ad campaign for blushes that mimic her rosy glow.
"It is her natural cuteness, her behavior that attract tourists," Narongwit Chodchoy, director of the zoo, told CNN.
Pygmy hippos are smaller cousins of the hippopotamus that are native to West Africa, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation. They're only half as tall as the hippopotamus, about two-and-a-half to three feet high, and weigh less than 1/4 of a full sized hippopotamus, between 400 and 600 pounds. They're also an endangered species, with only about 2,000 remaining in the wild.
Pygmy hippos are primarily nocturnal, secretive and relatively solitary, which isn't always respected by some people who come to see Moo Deng. Videos have captured some pushy tourists throwing objects or splashing water at the baby hippo to get her attention while she's asleep.
The zoo has condemned such behaviors and has vowed to take legal action against any visitors attempting to harm or abuse Moo Deng. The zoo has also reportedly installed security cameras around the hippo's enclosure.