Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo gets an official logo as her zoo fends off unauthorized use

[Garth Gator]

Thailand’s breakout animal star has her own signature style, and it’s not just her blushed cheeks and eternally moisturized look. The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT) has introduced a fresh logo for Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Open Zoo who waddled her way into hearts worldwide since her birth on July 10, 2024. The announcement follows an enthusiastic public vote on Facebook, where fans got to weigh in on the winning design.

 

From 1,895 creative submissions, a playful design by Piyapatsara Kaewteentan came out on top, earning over 57,000 votes. The logo, now trademarked by the zoo, features Moo Deng with an open mouth, with the words, “Moo Deng and the Gang.”

 

 

 

ขอบคุณคะแนนโหวตจากทางบ้านกว่า 1xx,xxx คะแนน ผลงานที่ 5 จากคุณปิยภัสรา แก้วตีนแท่น เป็นผู้ชนะเลิศ มีคะแนนนำเป็นเอกฉันท์กว่า 57,xxx คะแนน ดีใจกับผู้ชนะเลิศ และขอขอบคุณกับผู้ร่วมสนุกทุกท่านอีกครั้ง

Posted by องค์การสวนสัตว์แห่งประเทศไทย ในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์ - ZPOT on Monday, October 14, 2024

 

 

Kaewteentan took home a prize of 10,000 baht ($298 USD) for the winning entry, while the zoo locks down rights to the design. With the artwork set to appear on official merchandise, ZPOT has already licensed 38 companies to use it on various products.

 

Design no. 5 was a nearly “unanimous” winner across 10 shortlisted illustrations, according to the organization.

 

 

 

Posted by Pavita Itthikul on Thursday, October 10, 2024

 

 The zoo has trademarked the logo to protect commercial rights, with any unauthorized use considered illegal.

 

Moo Deng, whose name charmingly translates to “bouncy pig” in Thai, has transformed Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi into a bustling tourist destination. The zoo has adapted to her surging popularity by implementing strict viewing protocols, limiting groups to 50 people and enforcing five-minute viewing windows at her enclosure, as well as setting up a 24/7 livestream for fans to take a peek at the pygmy hippo family from anywhere in the world.

 

While the zoo basks in the stream of visitors coming to catch a glimpse of the pint-sized hippo, her newfound fame has raised some concerns. Some visitors have been caught throwing objects or splashing water into her enclosure, prompting the zoo to install surveillance cameras and threaten legal action against those who mistreat the animal.

 

As Moo Deng’s fame continues to grow, the zoo has launched the Moo Deng Project for Flood Victims and Animal Welfare, set to receive a boost from Garena Free Fire, a mobile battle royale game that will introduce exclusive Moo Deng-themed collectibles next month as one of the licensors of the new trademark, sweetening the deal with a 150,000 baht ($4,475 USD) donation to support animal welfare efforts.

 

• https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2886181/official-moo-deng-logo-announced 
• https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2024/10/17/moo-deng-phenomenon-sparks-business-growth-secures-trademark/ 

 

Images: John6863373 | Dreamstime.com and Zoological Park Organization of Thailand