American woman makes long journey to Thailand to see Moo Deng (video)
An American woman travelled by air for nearly 21 hours to see Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippopotamus who has become a global Internet sensation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri.
The US national, Molly, shared details of her journey on TikTok, noting that she flew for 18.5 hours and faced disbelief from immigration officials about her unique travel purpose.
“Travelled nearly 21 hours (18.5 hours of flying) just to see Moo Deng but immigration almost didn’t believe me. Now, off to see Moo Deng!”
Molly’s journey sparked significant online attention, with people both amused and touched by her dedication.
This isn’t the end of Molly’s story. She is also a devoted fan of Moo Deng merchandise. Molly purchased T-shirts and pyjamas featuring the adorable pygmy hippo, items that have become so popular that many Thais have struggled to buy them before they sell out.
Her enthusiasm for Moo Deng has led to a wave of social media comments and interactions, as people share their own experiences and struggles to get their hands on the trending merchandise.
“Why is the Moo Deng merch so good! These PJs!!!”
The video quickly gained traction, drawing attention to the rising fame of Moo Deng.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo recommended that those interested in Moo Deng merchandise purchase items directly from the zoo to support its efforts and avoid counterfeit products. The zoo’s management has seen a surge in demand for anything related to the popular hippo, and they urge fans to buy official products to ensure the zoo benefits from the hippo’s sudden popularity.
Moo Deng’s charm isn’t limited to Thailand. The baby hippo has gained international fame, with even Saturday Night Live hosts in America dressing up as the beloved animal.
This global recognition has significantly boosted the zoo’s visitor numbers, with over 160,000 tourists in September alone, reported KhaoSod.
@1989vinyl Moo Deng leaves an impression on everyone and we LOVE her for that! #moodeng #traveltok #traveltiktok #bangkokthailand #khaokheowopenzoo #moodenghippo
