Moo Deng and Pesto have recently made headlines outside of their native countries of Australia and Thailand for their charming quirks and characteristics. Both animals are currently making their rounds on social media and merchandise items alike.
Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng is a baby pygmy hippopotamus that was born this past July at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand. Hippos are known for being quite aggressive and docile creatures, however, part of Moo Deng’s charm is that she is so young that she has yet to acquire these traits.
In Thai, the words “moo deng” quite literally translate to “bouncy pork!” She has yet to get teeth, yet there are videos of her trying to bite her zookeepers. The Internet was quick to make memes and merchandise that feature her most comical moments.
From being dubbed an “it girl,” it is clear that there is no stopping the internet’s love for baby animals. Recently, Moo Deng was even portrayed on Saturday Night Live by Bowen Yang. One of her zookeepers, Atthapon Nundee, began posting videos of the pygmy hippo on social media after Moo Deng was a few weeks old.
Who is Pesto?
Pesto is a nine-month-old baby king penguin who was born earlier this year at Sea Life Aquarium in Melbourne, Australia. She made headlines for being quite large for her age.
On average, baby king penguins weigh anywhere from 31 to 37 pounds. Pesto, on the other hand, currently weighs just over 50 pounds. The aquarium claims that as he grows up, and grows adult feathers, he will lose weight. Even though he is rather large, he is not at risk for any health conditions.
One of Pesto’s favorite pastimes is when the aquarists blow bubbles for him! Katy Perry recently visited Pesto and she was able to get inside his habitat and blow bubbles for him. In the video, posted on social media, Perry even gives the furry creature a fist bump.
Pesto looks so plush as he has yet to receive his adult feathers. With his plump appearance and adorable name, #PestothePenguin is sure to steal hearts!
What Can be Learned from Moo Deng and Pesto
Cute animals are all fun and games until reckless behavior gets in the way and people begin endangering animals. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has had to reduce viewing hours for Moo Deng as well as install security cameras due to people harassing her in her enclosure, from throwing items inside to yelling at her.
Pesto is in a closed off enclosure that can only be accessed by the aquarium workers. In this day and age, it is so horrible how animals are continuing to be dehumanized. Khao Kheow has been posting information about how to be respectful at the zoo, as animals need to be treated properly.
In a world of divisiveness, it is so nice to be able to bond over cute creatures on the internet. P.S.A. to zoos and aquariums, keep the cute animal content coming!
What are your thoughts on Moo Deng and Pesto? Let VALLEY know on Instagram or X @VALLEYmag!
