A pygmy hippopotamus
Originally meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, Moo Deng is the nickname of a baby pygmy hippo at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. The hippo went viral for its adorable yet stubborn nature, inspiring countless memes, parody videos, and a surprising new trend—Moo Deng-inspired makeup. But the phenomenon didn’t stop there. A memecoin based on Moo Deng has surged 700% since its launch, with a market cap now exceeding $190 million.
In response, the zoo is launching a Moo Deng-themed merchandise line to support pygmy hippo conservation efforts. With proceeds going to protect their fragile habitats, fans of the viral sensation can show their support through T-shirts and pants available later this year.