Moo Deng the baby pygmy hippo wins TikTok 2024 Video of the Year Award in Thailand

[Garth Gator]

Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo with a splash of star power, has waddled her way into millions of hearts—and onto the winner’s podium, it appears. The adorable baby hippo has claimed the 2024 Video of the Year award at the Thailand TikTok Awards, thanks to her charming antics and larger-than-life personality. Moo Deng’s keeper, P’Benz, accepted the award on her behalf, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and love from fans across the globe.

 

The hippo’s journey to viral stardom began shortly after her birth in June 2024, when Khao Kheow Open Zoo began sharing clips of her daily escapades on TikTok. From running arond her enclosure to biting her keeper’s knee and always looking blurry in photos, Moo Deng quickly stole the spotlight with her sassy attitude.

 

 

Her videos, often featuring her pretending to chew on grass, splashing around in water, or showing off her signature pink-cheeked grin, gained millions of views and helped the zoo draw in thousands of new visitors. Fans from near and far have flocked to see her in person, leading to a significant boost in foot traffic for the zoo.

 

 

P’Benz, Moo Deng’s caretaker, has been with her every step of the way. At the Thailand TikTok Awards, he accepted the Video of the Year award on her behalf, with a sculpture of the hippo serving as a stand-in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by BangkokPost (@bangkokpost_official)

 

 

 

While he was away at the event, the hippo was placed in the care of Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s CEO.

 

 

On a more serious note, Moo Deng’s meteoric rise has shone a light on the role that zoos can play in wildlife conservation. The baby hippo’s growing fanbase has helped raise awareness about the plight of pygmy hippos, whose numbers in the wild are dwindling. Through her newfound fame, Moo Deng has turned her adorableness into an opportunity to educate and inspire, sparking conversations about the importance of preserving her species and their natural habitats.

 

 

Beyond the zoo, Moo Deng's influence has even extended into pop culture. Her distinctive pink cheeks have inspired a viral makeup trend dubbed the “Moo Deng blush,” with beauty creators and brands jumping on board. Fan art and merchandise featuring her lovable face have also become popular.

 

• https://www.instagram.com/p/DB5hkGYsVCm/ 
• https://worldofbuzz.com/moo-deng-the-cute-baby-hippo-taking-world-by-storm-wins-video-of-the-year-at-tiktok-awards-thailand/ 

 

Opening image: John6863373 | Dreamstime.com