'S-Moo-th Criminal': Thailand's popular pygmy hippo's 'moonwalk' goes viral

Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo at a Thai zoo, gained viral fame for her moonwalk performance, mimicking Michael Jackson. While her antics delight visitors, zoo officials express concern over harmful behaviour from the crowd, urging better treatment of the animal. Despite her occasionally unfriendly demeanor, Moo Deng continues to captivate global audiences.
'S-Moo-th Criminal': Thailand's popular pygmy hippo's 'moonwalk' goes viral
Moo Deng (Picture Credit: X)
Moo Deng, a pygmy Hippopotamus has once again left the world in awe with her cute and adorable tactics.
The fame-hungry hippo is making headlines at a regional zoo in Thailand with a stunning performance of Michael Jackson’s legendary moonwalk.

A viral video from September 26 features Moo Deng, the hippo some are calling a ‘problematic pygmy’ for her unfriendly behaviour, impressively performing Michael Jackson’s moonwalk for her fans.

In the clip, Moo Deng smoothly walks backwards for several steps in her enclosure before running forward.
This is just one of her recent antics; she also made headlines when she playfully bit her trainer on the leg.
Moo Deng's performance of Michael Jackson's iconic moonwalk has gone viral, gaining 60,000 views and many reactions.
(Picture Credit: X)

One captivated viewer wrote in the video's caption, "Whoa, stop everything... Moo Deng doing the moonwalk!"

People all around the world took to the internet to express themselves, with some saying ‘Moo Deng and Pesto are the main things helping me stay sane right now!’
Others calling the pint-sized princess ‘kinda mean’ or saying ‘she woke up and chose violence.’
Despite the fame, officials at Chonburi Zoo are increasingly concerned about Moo Deng’s treatment by the thousands of visitors flocking to see her.
Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi highlighted troubling behaviours, such as people throwing objects and splashing water at the hippo in an attempt to wake her up.
He emphasised that these actions are not only cruel but also pose a danger to the animals.
"We must protect these animals and ensure they have a safe and comfortable environment," Chodchoi stated.
In just a few months, Moo Deng has gained global fame, even becoming the focus of a recent “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update segment.
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