Moo Deng
Gabriellah
Mr. Sean
October 23, 2024
Moo Deng
The Baby Pygmy Hippo
Moo Deng, the viral baby pygmy hippo, has captured attention worldwide. Known for her sassy attitude and playfulness, Moo Deng has become famous on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. At just two months old, she is already at the center of a controversy.
This controversy highlights important issues regarding animals raised in captivity. Moo Deng lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand which has seen a sharp increase in visitors due to her fame. According to the director, the zoo follows international standards in conservation and education, including returning animals to the wild when possible. However, PETA has accused the zoo of exploiting Moo Deng and is requesting her release into the wild. PETA’s Asia Senior Vice President, Jason Barker, commented to the Bangkok Post, “There is nothing cute about a baby born into imprisonment” (Reporters, 2024). Pygmy hippopotamuses, such as Moo Deng, are an endangered species native to certain parts of Africa.
Moo Deng and her family are housed at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which serves as a conservation center for endangered species. The zoo has denied PETA’s claims, and the Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has stated that PETA relies on outdated information regarding animal welfare in Thailand. Experts have also noted that since pygmy hippos are a rare species, this conservation effort may be their only chance for survival. “No one has ever witnessed pygmy hippo baby behavior before,” conservation ecologist Rebecca Lewiston told Slate (Winkie, 2024). This controversy, along with Moo Deng’s fame, has raised awareness of pygmy hippos and the conservation efforts directed toward the species. “With their childlike behavior, baby animals have the wonderful potential to draw greater attention to endangered animal species,” said Philine Hachmeister, the deputy head of communications and marketing at Zoo Berlin (A Pygmy Hippo Is Stealing Hearts (and Biting Zookeepers), 2024).
Moo Deng has captured people’s hearts, and we must pay attention.Animals can’t thrive in the wild if we keep destroying their habitats. Moo Deng’s keeper has stated that he will continue his approach. “I build trust with Moo Deng by engaging in conversation,” said Mr. Nundee, adding that he calls her by name and has physical contact with her (ibid).
Moo Deng’s rise to fame underscores a pivotal debate about animal welfare and conservation practices. While her playful nature has captivated audiences globally, it also brings to light the complexities of keeping endangered species in captivity. The discussions surrounding Moo Deng serve as a reminder of our responsibility to protect not only individual animals but also their habitats. As we navigate these ethical considerations, it’s vital to support conservation efforts that prioritize the survival of species like the pygmy hippo. Keeping animals in captivity, particularly for the purpose of conserving endangered species, is a positive endeavor. Ultimately, our awareness and actions can contribute to a future where both animals in the wild and those in human care can thrive.
Cited Works
A pygmy hippo is stealing hearts (and biting zookeepers. (2024, September 26). The New York Times. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://
www.nytimes.com/ 2024/09/24/style/moo-deng-baby-pygmy-hippo
thailand.html
Winkie, L. (2024, September 19). The tiny, feisty hippo stealing the internet’s heart isn’t just cute. she’s accomplishing something big. Slate Magazine. https://slate.com/ life/ 2024/09/hippo-moo-deng-baby-pygmy.html
Russell, M. (2024, October 2). Moo Deng’s internet stardom exposes the tragedy of captivity. GreaterGood. https://greatergood.com/blogs/news/free-moo-deng
Reporters, O. (2024, September 28). Animal rights group calls for release of Moo Deng. https://www.bangkokpost.com. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ general/ 2873807/animal-rights-group-calls-for-release-of-moo-deng
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