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The Thai zoo, whose baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng has become a global viral sensation, moved to patent her image so it can benefit financially from the extraordinary interest which shows no sign of abating.
Even on a weekday, the antics of the much-loved little animal drew streams of excited visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, near Pattaya. Her name means “bouncy pork,” and she was soon into her stride, zipping and darting across her enclosure, showing off her trademark bounce.
Since her media-savvy keeper debuted her on social media, her fame has become unstoppable, both domestically and internationally. Artists have drawn cartoons based on her. She’s been made into memes. World-famous sports teams have put her on their official social media accounts.
The publicity has been welcome, if overwhelming, for the zoo. But now, it would like to benefit in a more material sense. The zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said they have moved to patent “Moo Deng the hippo” to prevent the animal from being commercialized by anyone but the zoo.
“The benefits we get from this will come back to the zoo to improve the lives of all animals here. After we do this, we will have more income to support activities that will make the animals’ lives better,” he told The Associated Press.
There’s been a less welcome side to the fame: signs went up in September to tell overeager fans not to throw things at the pint-sized star to try to get her attention. But most fans are just happy to see Moo Deng and enjoy her zest for life.
The zoo director thinks Moo Deng’s fame is down to serendipity: the coming together of a naturally charismatic little performer and a keeper—Atthapon Nundee—with an eye for promoting the animals in his care.
It isn’t clear how long Moo Deng will remain so playful and cute, though probably just a few more months. The zoo says baby pygmy hippos usually lose that irresistible sparkle and become much calmer before they turn a year old.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.