Thai zoo introduces time limit for visits to viral hippo Moo Deng

Visitors who want to see a pygmy hippopotamus have a maximum of five minutes to do so, the Thai zoo where the animal lives said on Saturday.

Moo Deng, born on July 10, 2024 to Tony and Jona, became a real viral sensation after pictures of her strong reaction to a bath were shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this month.

Since then, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province has experienced a massive influx of visitors as many people want to catch a glimpse of the baby hippo.

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Traffic to the zoo was backed up for two hours on Saturday as about 12,000 people came to the zoo to see Moo Deng, the Bangkok Post reported.

To better control crowds, Khao Kheow Open Zoo limits group size to 50 people and gives them five minutes to observe Moo Deng and the other pygmy hippos in the zoo.

Moo Deng (right) and her mother Jona (left) live at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The zoo recently had to impose a time limit on fans who were keen to see the viral baby hippo. (Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The zoo will also launch a 24-hour live stream of Moo Deng, the Bangkok Post reported, and will sell Moo Deng-inspired merchandise to raise funds for zoo improvements.

However, Moo Deng's popularity has also led to bad behavior among zoo visitors. Videos posted online show some zoo visitors throwing things at the baby hippo or trying to splash it to get its attention.

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Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi condemned the behavior in an online statement, saying it was “not only cruel but also dangerous.”

“We need to protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment,” Narongwit said.

In addition, the zoo has installed surveillance cameras to better protect Moo Deng and the other pygmy hippos in the enclosure, the BBC reported.

Fox News Digital has contacted Khao Kheow Open Zoo for further comment on Moo Deng's popularity.

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Online, especially on X and TikTok, users have expressed their admiration for Moo Deng and her expressive face has been used as reaction memes.

Moo Deng's expressive face and seemingly strong reactions to everyday events have contributed to her viral fame. (Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“Moo Deng is a lifestyle icon and you all need to join in,” wrote one X-user, noting that she is “inexplicably constantly wet,” “slightly blurry in most photos,” “probably screaming or sleeping,” and “round.”

“I would kill and die to protect Moo Deng, KILL AND DIE,” said another X-user.

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Moo Deng, whose name translates to “jumping pig” or “jumping pork,” is a pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species.

Moo Deng, whose name means “jumping pig” or “jumping pork,” has become a viral sensation both in Thailand and abroad. (Chaiwat Subprasom/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Pygmy hippos are found in West Africa, especially in Liberia, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation website. There are about 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild.

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The pygmy hippopotamus is about half the size of a regular hippopotamus and weighs about a quarter as much. According to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation, they grow to about 75 cm tall.