Thousands Celebrate Baby Hippo’s First Birthday at Thai Zoo

A wave of excitement swept through Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo as thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate the first birthday of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus who has captured hearts nationwide.

The beloved hippo marked her milestone with four days of festivities, drawing large crowds on the first day alone. The zoo, located in Chonburi province, welcomed over 12,000 guests as Moo Deng received a special birthday cake made from fruits and vegetables, much to the delight of onlookers. Children under 12 were granted free entry during the celebration period.

Guests sang “Happy Birthday” as Moo Deng enjoyed her treats near a pond in her enclosure. Despite the noise and excitement, she appeared relaxed, occasionally taking a dip to cool off.

As part of the celebration, the zoo hosted online auctions offering memorabilia such as Moo Deng’s photographs and footprints. A special auction for sponsoring her birthday cake raised significant funds for animal care, reflecting the strong public support for wildlife initiatives.

Moo Deng rose to fame soon after birth, thanks to adorable videos and photos shared online by her zookeeper. Her growing fanbase has helped increase public interest in zoo programs and wildlife conservation.

The pygmy hippopotamus is an endangered species native to West Africa, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo is involved in breeding and conservation efforts for pygmy hippos and other vulnerable species.

Zoo officials expressed hope that Moo Deng’s popularity would inspire greater awareness of wildlife conservation and the role modern zoos play in protecting endangered animals.