Moo Deng

Moo Deng's fame is unprecedented for a zoo animal. Within months of her birth, she had been featured by major global media outlets, sparked a merchandise line, and inspired countless fan accounts. Her image has been used in internet memes shared millions of times. The zoo's trademarking of her name marks a rare step for an animal celebrity, with proceeds earmarked for pygmy hippo conservation, a species classified as endangered. Her ability to draw over 10,000 visitors a day to a small zoo in Thailand is a testament to her unique appeal.