TikTok has given rise to a new generation of mini-celebrities. While most celebrities are human, not all are. In fact, one of the platform’s newest (and biggest) stars is the pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand.
An online poll found the baby hippo’s most popular name is “Moo Deng” (which translates to “bouncing pig” or “pork pie”). Moo Deng was born in July and currently lives at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, eastern Thailand. Pygmy hippos are considered an endangered species, with the dialogue group estimating that there are only 2,000 of the animals left in the wild.
One thing is for sure: Moo Deng is indeed adorable.
Like other TikTok celebrities, she sparked a viral cult (her videos have racked up tens of millions of views online), prompting legions of fans to gather at the zoo where he lives. Meanwhile, the cute critters are starting to spawn more and more advertising and sponsorship deals, according to NBC.
Unfortunately, the zoo where Mudeng lives is concerned about the baby hippo’s star status. According to Time magazine, some fans have displayed erratic, harmful behavior, including inexplicably throwing objects at animals. As a result, the zoo imposed new restrictions on visitors’ access to her.
“These actions are not only cruel, they are dangerous,” zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi told local media, according to NBC. “We must protect these animals and ensure they have A safe and comfortable environment,” he said.
We all know the fanbase can get a little out of control. Just look at the crazy fans of Jodie Foster or Taylor Swift, for example. A celebrity’s most ardent fans don’t always act in the most rational way.
That said, who knows if Moo Deng’s stardom will last, as TikTok seems to be around longer and longer. In fact, the company is currently fighting for its survival as legal challenges filed by critics seek to effectively kill the platform’s presence in the United States. Quickly forced TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the platform or lose its U.S. business. Platform executives appeared before a federal appeals court today to argue that the law violates the First Amendment rights of U.S. users. It’s unclear whether the federal judge overseeing the case will be affected.
