Viral Sensation Moo Deng's Turns One: Fans Gather To Celebrate Birthday (Photos)
Moo Deng's fans gathered to celebrate the viral sensation's first birthday. Getty Images
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is located around 60 miles south of Bangkok, is hosting a four-day festival to celebrate its star resident's first birthday, AFP reported.
The first day of the celebration coincided with Asalha Puja, a public holiday in Thailand, and many fans gathered outside her enclosure to watch her eat a $3,000 (THB 100,000) tropical fruit platter arranged to resemble a birthday cake.
The zoo also auctioned off several of Moo Deng's items, including a bathtub she used for $2,150 (THB 70,000) and a cast of her footprints for around $21,500 (THB 700,000), Reuters reported.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to a wildlife conservation fund, the report added.
Moo Deng, whose name translates to 'Bouncy Pork' or 'Bouncy Pig' in Thai, was born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo on July 10 last year. She became an immediate social media sensation after the zoo shared photos of her on Facebook. The baby pygmy hippo's name was chosen through a public vote, with over 20,000 people picking 'Moo Deng.' Moo Deng's popularity caused the zoo's traffic to double in September. However, people raised concerns about her well-being after videos emerged on social media showing visitors splashing water and throwing objects at her. The zoo eventually limited viewing times and installed security cameras to dissuade visitors from harassing their star attraction. The zoo has since trademarked Moo Deng's name to prevent unauthorized commercialization of her name and image. Tangent
The pygmy hippo is native to Western Africa and is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. According to the agency's estimates, only between 2,000 and 2,500 adult pygmy hippos remain in the wild, and their population is in decline.
Moo Deng eats a fruit topped cake with her mother Jonah. Getty Images
Thousands of vistors gathered at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo to celebrate Moo Deng's first birthday. AFP via Getty Images
The zoo is holding a four day festival to celebrate viral baby pygmy hippo turning one. Getty Images
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo saw a major boost in attendance last year after Moo Deng became a social ... More media star. Getty Images
A $3,000 tropical fruit arrangement fashioned to look like a cake was presented to Moo Deng and her ... More mother. AFP via Getty Images
Children pose for pictures with a giant Moo Deng during a celebration for her first birthday. Getty Images
Visitors buy Moo Deng souvenirs at the zoo. Getty Images
Thailand's adorable pygmy hippo Moo Deng has the kind of face that launches a thousand memes (Associated Press)
A baby hippo is going viral - and paying the price (BBC)
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