Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo Turns 1—and Throws a Party to Remember

Moo Deng the baby hippo isn’t a baby anymore! Thursday, July 10, 2025 marked the viral pygmy hippo’s first birthday, and she celebrated in style at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand.

Learn about how everyone’s favorite hippo spent her big day with help from her global fanbase.

Who is Moo Deng?

In case you missed it, Moo Deng the pygmy hippo became an internet sensation just a few months into her young life, thanks to her enthusiastic love of screaming. That’s right: not only is she irresistibly cute, but she’s also impressively vocal. We can’t help but admire a lady who isn’t afraid to speak her mind!

Her name, Moo Deng, means “bouncy pig” in English—a fitting description for this lively, squishy little hippo. With her boundless energy and adorable snout, she’s captured hearts everywhere and has subsequently quadrupled the Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s attendance.

A Happy Hippo Birthday Party

So, how did such an icon spend her birthday? By enjoying a 44-lb birthday cake made of her favorite fruits and vegetables.

And don’t worry—Moo Deng didn’t celebrate alone. In fact, around 12,000 fans from around the world flocked to wish the baby pygmy happy birthday in person.

“She’s an icon, and everyone in the world loves her,” says Moo Deng superfan Molly Swindall. Swindall, a New Yorker, has flown to Thailand three times in the past year to visit Moo Deng.

If you thought your birthday was overwhelming, try being a viral sensation! Luckily, the zoo limits visits to five minutes per patron to minimize the birthday girl’s stress. This seems to be an effective strategy, as Moo Deng was able to sneak in a few midday naps on her special day.

A huge cake and a nap? What more could you ask for? July 10, the pygmy’s actual birthday, is only one of four festival days dedicated to celebrating Moo Deng this week, complete with Moo Deng plushies, stickers and more.

Give the Perfect Present

While Moo Deng’s birthday is mostly a cause for celebration, it is also a good reminder that the pygmy hippopotamus is classified as an endangered species worldwide and is extinct in Nigeria. If you weren’t able to wish Moo Deng “Happy Birthday” in person, consider gifting an in-kind donation to a conservation organization.