BANGKOK — If you’re a fan of the adorable pygmy hippo known as Moo Deng from Thailand, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s a new official song celebrating this beloved baby animal, now available in four different languages to delight her international audience.
This lively, 50-second tune titled “Moodeng Moodeng” can be enjoyed in Thai, English, Chinese, and Japanese. The lyrics are simple and playful, featuring phrases like “Moo Deng Moo Deng, boing boing boing/ Mommy mommy, play with me.” The accompanying music video showcases delightful snippets of Moo Deng joyfully bouncing around, interacting with her caretaker, and relaxing with her mother, Jona.
The catchy song was composed and produced by renowned Thai musician Mueanphet Ammara, with the release managed by one of Thailand’s major music labels, GMM Music.
Moo Deng’s name translates to “bouncy pork,” a delightful reference to a traditional meatball dish in Thai cuisine. She rapidly became an internet sensation shortly after her introduction on Facebook by the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in the southern Chon Buri province of Thailand.
Her name brilliantly reflects her lively spirit. Moo Deng is known for her energetic “deng,” or bouncing, and her playful antics have turned into numerous viral memes across various social media platforms. Her image has been adopted by sports teams and businesses alike.
Now at four months old, Moo Deng has significantly increased foot traffic to the zoo, which is situated about two hours from Bangkok. The zoo is averaging between 3,000 to 5,000 visitors daily, thanks in part to her popularity, and has begun selling an array of merchandise, such as clothing and bedding, inspired by her.
According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi, the revenue generated from Moo Deng will support breeding initiatives aimed at preserving various endangered species, including the pygmy hippopotamus, which faces threats from poaching and habitat loss. This unique species is indigenous to West Africa, with an estimated population of only 2,000 to 3,000 remaining in the wild.
Covering 800 hectares (nearly 2,000 acres), the zoo houses over 2,000 animals. All four versions of the Moo Deng song are readily accessible on YouTube and various streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.