Latest news with #MooDeng
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Terminally ill Thai boy's final wish to meet viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng fulfilled
A terminally ill Thai boy had his final wish fulfilled when he met viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The six-year-old boy, Nong Auto, had been battling terminal cancer and dreamed of meeting the famous hippo in person. Moo Deng, whose name means "bouncy pork" in Thai, became a social media sensation after her birth in July 2024. Her playful personality and viral photos made her a major attraction at the zoo, drawing double the usual number of visitors. Despite her growth over the past year, Moo Deng remains beloved by fans across Thailand and beyond. In late 2024, Auto's doctors reached out to the zoo to express the boy's wish. The zoo responded with open arms. In January 2025, around Lunar New Year, Auto finally met Moo Deng. Photos from his visit were shared by the zoo's official Instagram on June 2, showing a joyful moment that included not only Moo Deng but also capybaras. Auto even chose a capybara souvenir to take home. The zoo's emotional post described Auto as 'bright, cute, and talkative,' with doctors on hand to care for him during his visit. They added, 'Everyone wanted to do their best for him.' Sadly, the zoo later confirmed that Auto had passed away. 'We didn't think it would be so soon,' they wrote. The post has since received over 15,000 likes, with comments from fans offering condolences and appreciation for the heartwarming gesture. Moo Deng's joyful spirit and Auto's touching story highlight the powerful connection between animals and people, even in life's most difficult moments.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Terminally Ill Boy Fulfills Final Wish To Meet Viral Hippo Moo Deng
A six-year-old terminally ill child in Thailand, whose biggest dream was to visit the pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has passed away after being granted his dying wish. The boy, nicknamed Auto, had long dreamed of meeting Moo Deng, the lovable hippo that shot to prominence last year after her videos went viral on social media. Moo Deng's keepers, Khamoo and the team, took to social media to announce the heartbreaking news of Auto's death, adding that he managed to have an evening to adore the hippo. "At the end of last year, a group of doctors contacted us about a 6-year-old child who had terminal cancer. He really liked Moo Deng and wanted to see it for the last time in his life," Moo Deng's keepers wrote on social media. The zoo immediately made arrangements for little Auto despite the long queues of people waiting to see the hippo. Auto visited the zoo around Lunar New Year, accompanied by his parents and doctors. The caretakers stated that Moo Deng unexpectedly rested near the viewing area that day, rather than sleep in the water as she usually does, as if somehow understanding the significance of the visit. Afterwards, staff took Auto to choose a new souvenir. He picked out a capybara, another animal he adored. "We were so happy to be part of creating this joyful memory for him," the post continued. Also Read | WhatsApp Is Officially Getting Ads. Here's What Changes Social media reacts Social media users paid tributes to Auto and applauded Moo Deng's caretakers for fulfilling the boy's last wish. "Moo Deng really brings smiles and means a lot. The simple act of seeing beloved animals can bring such happiness moment. RIP," wrote one user while another added: "Sweet Auto, the world will remember you. You are now Moo Deng's guardian angel." A third commented: "Rest in peace, our little angel Auto, it's breaking my heart to read this. Thank you, Princess Moo Deng for bringing us joy and happiness." Moo Deng, whose name translates to "bouncy pig" in Thai, was born on July 20, 2024. The playful hippo became an internet sensation, with millions of fans following her delightful antics, which include attempts at play with her mother, hilarious gumming of her handler, and even a makeshift moonwalk.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Dying cancer-stricken Thai boy, 6, fulfils final wish to meet famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng
A six-year-old Thai boy with terminal cancer fulfilled his final wish by meeting Moo Deng, the world-famous pygmy hippo at a zoo in eastern Thailand, before passing away. On June 2, the social media account managed by Moo Deng's keepers, Khamoo and the team, announced the heartbreaking news of his death. The boy, affectionately nicknamed Auto, had long dreamed of meeting Moo Deng in person at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi province. Moo Deng, an adorable pygmy hippo born in July last year, has a name that translates to 'bouncy pork' in Thai, aptly reflecting her cute and playful character. She rapidly gained international fame, with her social media accounts amassing over 2 million followers combined. Inspired by her charm, fans have created memes, and even food and make-up products. Long lines of eager visitors form outside her enclosure daily. Moo Deng has gained international fame, with media coverage attracting over 2 million followers combined, while long lines of enthusiastic visitors gather outside her enclosure each day. Photo: Facebook/Khao Kheow Open Zoo Auto's medical team reportedly reached out to the zoo last year to arrange this special meeting with Moo Deng.
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Watch: Pygmy hippo Moo Deng sports leaf 'eyebrows' in viral video
Moo Deng is known for making a mess of her food dishes, stomping around and flinging platters full of veggies all over herself. But her new look was done on purpose. Moo Deng's zoo keeper at Khao Kheow Open Zoo told Newsflare that he placed the pieces of leaves on the hippo for a bit of fun, removing them later. Khao Kheow Open Zoo did not immediately respond for comment about the "eyebrows" when contacted by USA TODAY on June 5. More Moo Deng: Who's that baby hippo on your timeline? Meet the wet, chubby 'lifestyle icon' captivating the internet Animals: Why do we love Moo Deng, Pesto and other baby zoo animals? Psychologists explain Who is Moo Deng? Just shy of her first birthday (July 10), Moo Deng lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bang Phra, Thailand. She gained popularity last summer for countless videos of her yelling at zoo keepers, resting in water buckets and enjoying baths in the sun. In Thai, Moo Deng's name means "bouncing pig." Born to Jona, 25, and Tony, 24, she has two siblings: Pork Stew and Sweet Pork. Moo Deng is also the granddaughter of Thailand's oldest hippo, Malee, who is 59 years old. What are pygmy hippos? Thought of as the smaller cousin, pygmy hippos are about half the size of common hippos, weighing less than one-fourth of a full-sized common hippo, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation. Pygmies are native to West Africa and their average life expectancy is 27 years. In 2016, pygmy hippos were deemed an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A 1993 survey conducted by IUCN found that only about 2,000-3,000 pygmies remained worldwide. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Moo Deng is raising brows. See famous pygmy hippo's new look.
Moo Deng is raising brows. See famous pygmy hippo's new look. Moo Deng, just shy of her 1st birthday, lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Show Caption Hide Caption Moo Deng debuts fancy, temporary eyebrows The famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, was munching on a tray of vegetables in her enclosure, when the keeper put pieces of leaves on her head. The world's favorite pygmy hippopotamus is stunning in a new, all-natural look. Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo who first stole hearts last summer, is going viral once again for videos and photos showing her sporting two green leaves as eyebrows, captured by zoo attendees on May 31. Watch the video above. Moo Deng is known for making a mess of her food dishes, stomping around and flinging platters full of veggies all over herself. But her new look was done on purpose. Moo Deng's zoo keeper at Khao Kheow Open Zoo told Newsflare that he placed the pieces of leaves on the hippo for a bit of fun, removing them later. Khao Kheow Open Zoo did not immediately respond for comment about the "eyebrows" when contacted by USA TODAY on June 5. More Moo Deng: Who's that baby hippo on your timeline? Meet the wet, chubby 'lifestyle icon' captivating the internet Animals: Why do we love Moo Deng, Pesto and other baby zoo animals? Psychologists explain Who is Moo Deng? Just shy of her first birthday (July 10), Moo Deng lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bang Phra, Thailand. She gained popularity last summer for countless videos of her yelling at zoo keepers, resting in water buckets and enjoying baths in the sun. In Thai, Moo Deng's name means "bouncing pig." Born to Jona, 25, and Tony, 24, she has two siblings: Pork Stew and Sweet Pork. Moo Deng is also the granddaughter of Thailand's oldest hippo, Malee, who is 59 years old. What are pygmy hippos? Thought of as the smaller cousin, pygmy hippos are about half the size of common hippos, weighing less than one-fourth of a full-sized common hippo, according to the Pygmy Hippo Foundation. Pygmies are native to West Africa and their average life expectancy is 27 years. In 2016, pygmy hippos were deemed an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A 1993 survey conducted by IUCN found that only about 2,000-3,000 pygmies remained worldwide. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
