Can viral fame save a species? Moo deng the pygmy hippo sparks global conservation interest

In late 2024, a feisty baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng became an unlikely internet sensation. Videos of the pint-sized troublemaker causing adorable chaos at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo quickly went viral, spawning countless memes, fan art, and parodies across social media platforms. But behind the cute antics lies a sobering reality: pygmy hippos are critically endangered.

Native to the rainforests of West Africa, fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos remain in the wild today. These elusive mammals face mounting pressure from habitat destruction, hunting, and human encroachment. Unlike their larger cousins, pygmy hippos are solitary, forest-dwelling creatures that spend most of their time on land rather than in water.

Moo Deng’s unexpected rise to fame has sparked important conversations about wildlife conservation. Social media’s power to turn animals into global celebrities—from Neil the elephant seal to Pesto the oversized penguin—demonstrates how viral content can bridge the gap between entertainment and environmental awareness. The question now is whether Moo Deng’s popularity can translate into meaningful support for pygmy hippo conservation efforts.

Conservation experts are cautiously optimistic that increased public interest could lead to greater funding for habitat protection and breeding programs. While internet fame alone cannot save a species, it can serve as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness about endangered wildlife and the urgent need to protect biodiversity in West Africa’s rapidly disappearing forests.