October 25th 2024.
Moo Deng, a tiny pygmy hippo, has captured the hearts of people all around the globe. Despite her small size, this three-month-old hippo has made a big name for herself with her hilarious antics and adorable sleepiness. She has become an online sensation, with over 2.5 million followers on her TikTok account and has even been dubbed an 'icon' and 'legend' by Time Magazine.
Living in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, Moo Deng's name translates to 'bouncy pork' in Thai. And while she may be lucky to call the zoo her home, her species is facing a grim future. Pygmy hippos, like Moo Deng, are endangered with only approximately 2,500 remaining in the wild. These creatures are native to West Africa, where they thrive in the deep forests, foraging at night and seeking shelter in water and dense vegetation, as reported by the Conversation.
Sadly, the pygmy hippos' natural habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation. The West African forests, where these animals call home, have lost over 80% of their original area. The main cause of this destruction is the production of cocoa, but unsustainable logging practices also play a significant role. Currently, the majority of pygmy hippos can be found in Gola National Forest in Sierra Leone and Sapo National Park in Liberia. These areas are rich in herbs and fruits, making them the perfect dwelling place for the hungry pygmy hippos, like Moo Deng's mom, Jonah, who loves to munch on food.
It's not just the pygmy hippos that are affected by the loss of these forests; over 900 bird species and 400 mammals also call West African forests their home, making up a quarter of all mammals in Africa. Fortunately, Moo Deng and her family are safe and sound in Thailand. However, her species continues to face the threat of extinction.
Moo Deng lives in the zoo with her mother, Jonah, and her siblings, who are all named after different types of pork dishes. There's Moo Wan, which means Thai sweet pork, Pha Lor, which translates to pork belly stew, and Moo Tun, which signifies stewed pork. While Moo Deng's fame has brought her much love and admiration, it has also come with its downsides. Some visitors to the zoo have gone to the extent of throwing water and seashells at her just to get a photo, prompting the zoo to assign her a personal security guard.
Moo Deng's keeper expressed his hope that her cuteness and popularity would raise awareness about her species and encourage people to come and learn more about them. With such a small number of pygmy hippos remaining, it's crucial for us to take action and protect these beautiful creatures before it's too late.
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