Itâs a big day for the internetâs favourite meme animal | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNamita SinghThursday 10 July 2025 20:01 BSTMoo Deng is small and angryMoo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus who became a viral sensation, celebrated her first birthday on 10 July with a four-day festival at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.Her online popularity, driven by social media videos, significantly boosted zoo visitor numbers, leading to corporate sponsorships and the creation of branded merchandise.The birthday festivities included a large fruit platter for Moo Deng, a 100,000 baht cake, mascot parades, and a photo exhibition detailing her journey from a 5kg newborn.Moo Deng's fame has reached international levels, with gifts from the US Embassy in Bangkok, visits from Hollywood actors, and appearances in pop culture, including a Saturday Night Live sketch.Despite a recent dip in her viral status, Moo Deng continues to bring joy, notably fulfilling the final wish of a terminally ill child, and her early cuteness is expected to foster lasting affection.In fullMoo Deng turns 1: Thailandâs internet-famous baby hippo celebrates birthday feasting on massive fruit platterThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in