Arrrgh: Moo Deng playfully biting one of her carers at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. — Reuters
Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, is set to celebrate her first birthday on July 10, and she is already receiving international recognition.
The US Embassy in Bangkok, on July 4, sent a special birthday gift: a hippopotamus plush toy named Sammy, symbolising well wishes from the United States as it marks its own Independence Day.
Meanwhile, the zoo is pulling out all the stops for their global celebrity.
Director Narongwit Chodchoy announced that a four-day “Moo Deng’s 1st Birthday” festival will be held from July 10 to 13 at the hippo exhibit in Chonburi province.
The best part? Children under 135cm tall or aged 12 and under will enjoy free entry throughout the event.
Growing up fast: Moo Deng and her mother Jona two months after she was born. — AP
The festivities will kick off on July 10 with a grand ceremony featuring a giant birthday cake for the little hippo.
Visitors can also look forward to a meet-and-greet with popular animal-loving celebrities like “Captain”, “P’ Benz”, “P’ Tod” and “P’ Nick”, alongside famous animal influencers “Joob Meng” from Japan and Friends and Gluta Story.
An exclusive auction of Moo Deng memorabilia, featuring one-of-a-kind items, will also take place, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to support animal care at the zoo.
Throughout the four-day celebration, attendees can explore the “Moo Deng in Every Moment” exhibition and photo gallery, showcasing the hippo’s growth and the heartwarming stories behind her popularity. — The Nation/ANN
