Baby Pygmy Hippo Born at Khao Kheow Zoo
A baby pygmy hippo was born November 4 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, the offspring of Moo Manao and Moo Tun — making viral star Moo Deng an aunt.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surachat Chomklin announced good news from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi: a new baby pygmy hippo was born on November 4, 2026. The mother is 14-year-old "Moo Manao" and the father is 7-year-old "Moo Tun," the older brother of the famous Moo Deng, making the newborn Moo Deng's niece or nephew. The birth has delighted Moo Deng's fans and animal lovers nationwide.
Surachat said he received a report from zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi that after the birth, the veterinary team closely monitored and checked the health of both mother and baby, finding both in good health. The calf has started moving and exploring the area, with Moo Manao staying close by. They are now living together normally.
However, Moo Manao continues to show protective behavior, watching closely and not allowing staff to approach too much, a touching display of maternal instinct reflecting the close bond and care for her offspring. The zoo is preparing to debut the new member to the public and fans soon. This is another piece of good news for the pygmy hippo family that officially makes Moo Deng an aunt.
As for Moo Tun and Moo Manao, they held a wedding ceremony on January 24, 2025, attended by Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi as the senior relative of the groom, who also signed as a witness on the marriage certificate between Miss Moo Manao and Mr. Moo Tun, the pygmy hippos of Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
