大象传媒

Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo, is Thailand鈥檚 unexpected new it girl. She鈥檚 now a viral sensation and is attracting huge queues at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province and even has her own 24-hour livestream.

The zoo says visitor numbers have doubled since her birth in July, boosting revenue that can be used for animal conservation efforts. But Moo Deng鈥檚 fame comes at a price: videos have emerged showing visitors throwing food at the plump hippopotamus so she鈥檒l squeal for their cameras.

大象传媒 Thai reporter Panisa Aemocha explains Moo Deng鈥檚 rise to fame 鈥� and criticisms that have been levelled at the Thai zoo.

We also hear from Simon Watt, author of the book 鈥淲e Can鈥檛 All Be Pandas, the Ugly Animals鈥�. He discusses the link between cuteness and conservation 鈥� and how less attractive species are being left behind.

And Moo Deng superfan Ashley Calloway, a teacher from Atlanta, explains why her students can鈥檛 get enough of the adorable hippo.

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Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Zofia Louise and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde