Moo Deng is biting back at fame. The viral pigmy hippo has racked up millions of views online from adoring fans who can't get over her cuteness. But recently, Moo Deng has been quite a bit of a diva.
A late September video shot caught the months old celebrity coming at her caretaker, while he was attempting to hose her down. Despite her petite stature, the tiny star managed to push the grown man while latching on his leg and refusing to let go.
The video of the incident was uploaded to the widely popular Moo Deng fan page,where it rapidly received more than 6 million views - including individuals who voiced concern over both the animal and handler's reactions.
One person wrote,"Moo Deng is kind of mean," while another said, "Moo is mean...I still think she is super cute." But Moo Deng's caretakers have also stepped forward to express how fame had led to bad visitor behavior. He states that there are fans who have thrown things at her to wake her up for the perfect picture, while others have splashed her with water.
Fans have also pointed out a similar issue, pointing out the paradox of how fans are constantly disturbing her and complaining when Moo Deng expresses any signs of frustration.
Moo Deng entering her villain arc
Some have wondered if Moo Deng's propensity for diva behaviour get her cancelled? Will her scandals outshine her merits? Is her star destined to fall instead of shine thanks to her love of chomping down on people?
But if the internet had told us anything, is that it would unlikely happen. In fact, her "sassiness" as fans call it, is part of her charm.
Moo Deng's original rise to virality wasn't just about her adorable, chubby looks, it was also about that feisty attitude. The internet can't get enough of the baby hippo's cuteness or her tendency to cause a bit of chaos in a very familiar child-like way.
Some of the most popular and recirculated clips of Moo Deng often feature her misbehaving, either stomping about, nipping her handling, or fighting her bath time and traipsing about with her mouth wide open to let the world know she'll do it all again.
All in all, Moo Deng is behaving just like a typically strong headed toddler, just a little chubbier and more slippery, and people couldn't love it more.
Is our favourite star under abused ?
People have started to point their fingers at the zoo as the cause of why Moo Deng has been acting up recently. Users have speculated that Moo Deng is so often caught biting because she is being handled too frequently or roughly by zookeepers, expressing concern over her enclosure and the pressure of all the visitors and attention she is getting.
PETA also made a post criticizing her captivity, harshly criticizing the zoo for keeping wild animals in confinement for money. It also tries to champion for the freeing of confined animals into the wild.
But netizens have also pointed out Moo Deng's live stream as evidence that her keepers have not handled her for a prolonged period of time. When asked why Moo Deng has been acting up, her caretakers says "She's likely teething, and she just happens to have a personality that is much more "bouncy and feisty than her siblings."
Moo Deng's role in animal conservation
Amid the tantrums, bathtime struggles, and grumpy teething moments, Moo Deng's behavior might feel all too familiar to many parents. However, her antics serve a greater purpose—raising awareness and support for a critical cause.
With fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, conservation and captive breeding programs, like those at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, play a vital role in the survival of the species.
As Moo Deng matures, she'll likely adopt more composed behaviors, much like her mother and older siblings. Yet, her devoted fans can't help but hope she'll retain a bit of that charming, sassy personality they’ve come to love.
WenJun