Moo Deng’s 44-Pound Hippo Cake Draws Global Fans to Thailand Zoo

Unbothered by her viral fame or the hippo-sized 44-pound cake, Moo Deng spawns global pilgrimages and hippo-themed cryptocurrency. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy reports, “Attendance has quadrupled,” as TikTok users search “Can you visit Moo Deng?” and “How long do pygmy hippos live?” Nearby, a fan camps in a tent for a fleeting glimpse, while Moo Deng contemplates cake, stardom, or simply another nap.
Moo Deng the pygmy hippo celebrates her first birthday with a 44-pound cake, viral videos, and fans flying in—answering “Is Moo Deng real?” and “Why is she famous?”—while her trademarked image now outpaces most crypto mascots in Thailand.