A star is born.
Moo Deng the baby pigmy hippo has become an overnight sensation at the Thai zoo where she was born, thanks to massive social media exposure — but now officials are begging adoring fans to respect the adorable two-month-old’s privacy.
Clout-chasing visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo hoping for their own viral video moments are turning up to the enclosure that’s home to the dwarf-sized critter of West African origin expecting a show — and behaving badly when the newborn prefers to nap, The Telegraph reported.
Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncy pig,” has had to endure thoughtless zoo guests throwing things like shellfish, while others have splashed the tot with water to wake her up.
“These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said in a statement posted online. “We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Things have gotten to the point that the zoo has installed security cameras in Moo Deng’s habitat with threats of legal repercussions for those who disobey.
The popularity of Moo Deng has caused the zoo to see weekend attendance double — from 3,000 closer to 7,000, according to Thai PBS World.
There are only about 3,000 of the endangered species left.
Online, viral videos of Moo Deng just being herself have gone wildly viral for the hippo’s adorable nature as well.
On the zoo’s Instagram, videos of their most welcome newcomer amass millions of views, some as much as 30 million.
Even major brands like Sephora Thailand are getting into the mix. The makeup company told social media followers to “wear your blush like a baby hippo.”