Chonburi —
“Moo Deng, ” a pygmy hippo, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya has brought in a huge number of visitors, with over 162,811 people coming in September alone.
Mr. Narongwit Chodchoi, the director of Khao Kheow Zoo, told Thai media Matichon Online that Moo Deng has significantly boosted visitor attendance at the zoo.
In September 2024, over 162,811 visitors came to the zoo, even though this month typically sees a decrease in visitors due to the rainy season.
When asked about numbers of visitors before Moo Deng’s debut, Mr. Narongwit said that prior to her birth, there were roughly 70,510 visitors each month. In July 2024, the month Moo Deng was born, attendance rose to 84,849, followed by 98,046 in August.
When asked if the zoo’s income has increased due to the popularity of the superstar baby hippo, Mr. Narongwit said that it has played a significant role. Regarding entrance fees, he stated that adults are charged 200 baht, while children aged 3 to 12 are charged only 40 baht.
Moo Deng’s popularity has only increased weekly worldwide as she has become the most viral meme on the internet and even appeared on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. Moo Deng has also significantly increased hotel bookings near the zoo.
Moo Deng’s story of how she went viral on social media is also being studied by many companies and businesses hoping to replicate the success, as we reported in detail here.
For those unable or unwilling to visit the zoo in person, however, you can view Moo Deng online from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day here.
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