TEJAL SOMVANSHI
Moo Deng, whose name translates to "bouncy pig," was named through an online poll that garnered over 20,000 votes.
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Photo Source- @khaokheow.zoo (Instagram)
Her rise to stardom began when the zoo started sharing videos of her daily activities, including eating and, impressively, opening a door.
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Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has taken a firm stance against certain behaviors. "These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous," he stated, according to Nation Thailand.
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In response to these incidents, the zoo has implemented stricter visitor policies, limiting viewing times for Moo Deng to just five minutes on Saturdays and Sundays.
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According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there were only about 2,000-2,500 mature pygmy hippos remaining as of 2015, with numbers continuing to decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
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The Pygmy Hippo Foundation reports that these diminutive relatives of the common hippopotamus are primarily found in West African countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
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As Moo Deng continues to grow under the watchful eyes of both zookeepers and internet fans, her story serves as a case study in the complexities of modern zoo management.
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Ultimately, Moo Deng's tale is not just about a cute baby hippo. It's a reflection of our changing relationship with wildlife in the digital age and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with stewardship of endangered species.
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As Moo Deng grows, so too must our understanding of how to protect and appreciate these remarkable creatures.
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