By: Lucas Crowe
A species once considered insignificant has slowly been getting increased attention due to the viral sensation of the pygmy hippo from Thailand, Moo Deng. While the baby hippo’s nature has brought awareness to her species, Moo Deng’s well-being may be at risk. And with her spotlight, is there any real evidence that Moo Deng’s impact has benefited her species?
The pygmy hippo is a critically endangered species. Due to deforestation and poaching, only 2,500 are left, a number that continues to decrease (Poma, 2024). From an environmental point of view, pygmy hippos play an important role in their ecosystem as they recycle nutrients and spread out seeds throughout their land (Endangered Species International, n.d.). However, for many people, their importance is tied to their endearing presence. In general, Moo Deng is seen as having the most prominent potential to save the pygmy hippo species.
Through love and exploitation, affection and harassment, Moo Deng has faced continuous mistreatment as a result of her overwhelming fame. Moo Deng’s caretakers have expressed concern for her after multiple individuals were seen throwing water and other objects at her. With all the love she has received, there is a saddening reality that Moo Deng’s well-being has been harmed (Aggarwal, 2024). Some fans are also concerned about her captivity saying, “Moo Deng should’ve been born in the wild, not bred for human entertainment” (Bangkok Post, 2024). With all of her struggles, has she helped her species at all?
A misconception held by many people is that Moo Deng’s virality has saved her species, however, this is not the case. Conservationists have found that Moo Deng’s popularity has had no clear benefit for pygmy hippos (Butler, 2025). Even more so, Moo Deng’s species has seen no funding or support as a result of her viral sensation (Hance, 2025). It is unfortunate to see the slow decline of the charming pygmy hippo population. However, if their habitat is protected and more people become aware of the extinction risk being faced, there’s a feasible possibility that they will be saved.
Works Cited
Aggarwal, Mithil. “Moo Deng, Celebrity Baby Pygmy Hippo, Has Thailand Zoo Worried.” NBC News, NBC News, 16 Sept. 2024, www.nbcnews.com/news/world/moo-deng-celebrity-baby-pygmy-hippo-thailand-zoo-worried-rcna171244.
“Animal Rights Group Calls for Release of Moo Deng.” Https://Www.bangkokpost.com, Bangkok Post, 28 Sept. 2024, www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2873807/animal-rights-group-calls-for-release-of-moo-deng.
Butler, Rhett Ayers. “Moo Deng, a Baby Pygmy Hippo, Became an Internet Sensation—but Will Her Fame Help Save Her Species?” Rhett Ayers Butler, 9 Feb. 2025, www.butlernature.com/2025/02/09/moo-deng-a-baby-pygmy-hippo-became-an-internet-sensation-but-will-her-fame-help-save-her-species/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
“Endangered Species International.” Endangeredspeciesinternational.org, endangeredspeciesinternational.org/news_oct20.html.
Hance, Jeremy. “Has the Moo Deng Craze Helped Wild Pygmy Hippos at All? (Analysis).” Mongabay Environmental News, 3 Feb. 2025, news.mongabay.com/2025/02/has-the-moo-deng-craze-helped-wild-pygmy-hippos-at-all-analysis/. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Poma, Elissa. “Why Are Pygmy Hippos so Small? And 6 Other Pygmy Hippo Facts.” World Wildlife Fund, 2024, www.worldwildlife.org/stories/why-are-pygmy-hippos-so-small-and-6-other-pygmy-hippo-facts.