Thailand zoo's super cute baby hippo 'Moo Deng' to be on pants & shirt merch

A zoo in the Chon Buri province in Thailand unveiled a collection of clothing inspired by its baby pygmy hippopotamus on Sep. 8.

According to Thailand media outlet The Nation, the female baby hippo known as "Moo Deng" caught attention in August 2024 after photos of her playful nature went viral on social media.

Caught attention after first appearance in July 2024

According to Pattaya Mail, Moo Deng first made her appearance at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Jul. 25, 2024.

The zoo then ran a local voting contest to name the hippo.

Participants came up with names, such as "Moo Deng" (Bouncy Pig), "Moo Daeng" (Red Pig), and "Moo Sab" (Minced Pig).

20,000 participants voted via the zoo's Facebook page, and the majority voted for the name "Moo Deng".

It was chosen as it reflected Moo Deng's playful and energetic nature, reported The Nation.

Moo Deng also possesses a trait some people may resonate with.

She does not like to be touched.

In a post shared on Aug. 21, the baby hippo could be seen trying to escape from her caretaker's clutches as she jigged around the enclosure during mealtime.

At one point, she even tried to nip at his fingers.

น้องหมูเด้ง เด้งสมชื่อ..😅🤣

.

🦛มาหาน้องหมูเด้งได้นะค้าบ

📍ที่สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว จ.ชลบุรี

>สวนสัตว์เปิดให้บริการทุกวัน (08.00-17.00 น.)

.#น้องหมูเด้ง#สมาชิกใหม่ #ลูกฮิปโปโปเตมัสแคระ#สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว #ชลบุรี pic.twitter.com/5eyaVKl7Ko

— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@kkopzoo) August 21, 2024

Other times, Moo Deng amused many with her dramatic facial expression when she seemingly panicked while being sprayed with water.

아기하마 표정이 찰쳐 pic.twitter.com/kc14iWAB71

— 오투/酸素 (@O2H2_OH4) September 8, 2024

Moo Deng also enjoys playfully nipping at her human caretakers.

ฉลามนั้นชอบงับคุณ

ส่วนหมูชอบคุณงับ pic.twitter.com/JLgQBLJful

— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@kkopzoo) September 2, 2024

Despite her temperament, adoring visitors, who the zoo refers to as "Moo Deng's fans", swarm the enclosure for a closer look at the hippo.

แฟนคลับน้องหมูเด้ง pic.twitter.com/yXceecOuuB

— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@kkopzoo) August 30, 2024

Zoo announces shirt and pants

On Sep. 8, Khao Kheow Open Zoo announced merchandise in the form of a clothing collection inspired by Moo Deng.

The collection consists of one short-sleeved shirt and one palazzo pants.

The clothes are adorned with images of the hippo's expressions and antics.

Based on the illustration in the zoo's post, flowers in a doodled design are also seen all over the pants.

The zoo did not disclose further details.

พบกันเร็วๆนี้ กดติดตามกันไว้นะ pic.twitter.com/jJjFVhcSjG

— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@kkopzoo) September 8, 2024

Top photos via สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo/X