Thailand's hippo Moo Deng draws crowds at first birthday bash

AFP

Thailand's baby pygmy hippo and internet sensation Moo Deng celebrated her first birthday on Thursday, devouring a massive tropical fruit platter alongside her mother as throngs of adoring fans turned up for her four-day party.

Moo Deng became a global superstar last year, with images of her rosy cheeks and clumsily charming antics going viral online, inspiring fan art, merchandise, songs and memes around the world.

Thousands of visitors converged on the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, 100 km south of the capital Bangkok, taking turns to see the bouncy baby hippo during a four-day birthday bash that included a photo exhibition, a charity auction, and a parade.

"Moo Deng has made more people know about the zoo and they travel here, generating so much income for us - which allows us to improve the zoo a lot," said Atthapon Nundee, Moo Deng's caretaker at the zoo.

The zoo served Moo Deng and her 26-year-old mother Jona a 20-kg "birthday cake" - which was a selection of tropical fruits carved in a Thai traditional style - that was carried into her enclosure by three zoo keepers.

Some of Moo Deng's prized possessions were auctioned during the festivities, including a plastic bathtub that she had used since her birth. The tub sold for 70,000 baht ($2,150) while a cast of her footprints went for 700,000 baht.

All proceeds from the auction will go towards a wildlife conservation fund.

"I intended to get this because I love Moo Deng so much," said Mucharim Chutimatipakorn, who won the bid for the hippo's footprint cast in the auction. "I also want to contribute to the development of this zoo."

More from Quirky

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Debrief

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Join Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!