Near Pattaya-
In a heartwarming yet bittersweet story, a six-year-old boy known affectionately as “Nong Auto” had his final wish fulfilled earlier this year when he visited the famous pygmy hippopotamus, Moo Deng, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand. Auto, who had been battling late-stage cancer, passed away recently, leaving behind a story that has touched the hearts of many across the globe.
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born on July 10, 2024, became an internet sensation in September 2024 after images and videos of her playful antics went viral. Her name, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, was chosen through a public poll, and her fame skyrocketed, drawing thousands of visitors daily to the zoo. But for Auto, Moo Deng was more than a viral star—she was the embodiment of a dream that gave him joy in his final days.
According to a post shared by Moo Deng’s keepers on their Facebook page, “Khamoo and the Gang,” a medical team reached out to the zoo late last year with a special request. Auto, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, expressed one last wish: to see his favorite animal, Moo Deng, in person. The zoo director responded swiftly, allowing Auto to visit just after the New Year holidays, despite Moo Deng’s strict daily routine and limited viewing times. The staff made special arrangements, asking other visitors to step back so Auto could have a private moment with the baby hippo.
The visit was a poignant moment for all involved. Auto, though frail, was able to see Moo Deng up close, a memory that undoubtedly brought him comfort in his final months. The zoo’s willingness to accommodate Auto’s wish highlights the profound impact animals can have on human lives, especially in times of hardship. Moo Deng, with her playful and energetic nature, had already captured the hearts of millions online, but for Auto, she became a symbol of hope and happiness.
Sadly, Auto’s battle with cancer came to an end, as announced by the zoo on June 2, 2025. The news was met with an outpouring of condolences from the online community, including the #Moodengeth community, a group of Moo Deng fans who expressed their honor in being part of Auto’s dream. Posts on social media reflected a shared sentiment of grief and admiration for the brave young boy whose love for Moo Deng touched so many.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. Her popularity led to a surge in visitors, with numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo doubling and sometimes tripling, reaching up to 20,000 on weekends. However, this fame brought issues, as some visitors harassed the young hippo by splashing water or throwing objects to get her attention.
The zoo responded by installing security cameras, limiting visits to five minutes, and even starting a 24/7 livestream so fans could watch Moo Deng without disrupting her well-being.
The story of Nong Auto and Moo Deng is a testament to the power of compassion and the lengths to which people will go to fulfill a child’s dying wish. It also serves as a call to action for better visitor behavior at zoos, ensuring that animals like Moo Deng can continue to thrive and bring happiness to others, just as she did for Auto. While Auto’s time with Moo Deng was brief, the memory of his visit will live on, a small but meaningful moment of light in the face of immense hardship.
Photo credit Khamoo and the Gang FB, Khao Kheow Open Zoo FB.
