Little Friends – Khon Kaen Zoo Invites Public to Name Newborn Pygmy Hippo, Granddaughter of Mu Deng
A female pygmy hippo born at Khon Kaen Zoo in April is the granddaughter of celebrity hippo Mu Deng, and the zoo is inviting the public to vote on naming the healthy month-old calf.
Mu Deng, the celebrated pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Khiao Open Zoo in Chonburi, has now become a grandmother with the birth of a female calf at Khon Kaen Zoo.
Khon Kaen Zoo announced updates on the newborn female pygmy hippo, born on April 5, 2025, to parents Nadech from Khao Khiao Open Zoo and Yaya from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. The calf is Mu Deng's granddaughter and younger sister to Mu Duan, a celebrity pygmy hippo beloved by Khon Kaen residents who is currently drawing significant tourist attention.
Tipavadee Kittakun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, reported that the calf received a routine health checkup at one month of age with excellent results. The hippo has normal lung function, age-appropriate development, and is receiving close care from veterinary specialists. Physical examination revealed normal tooth and tusk development, with two upper teeth and four lower teeth. A microchip has been implanted for systematic health monitoring. Current weight has increased to 16.45 kilograms from birth weight of 5.76 kilograms, with body length at 72 centimeters, head length 15.5 centimeters, tail length 7.5 centimeters, and measurements showing healthy, robust growth.
"The pygmy hippo calf does not yet have an official name," said Tipavadee. "Khon Kaen Zoo is preparing a public voting campaign to select a name, fostering community engagement and connection with wildlife. We invite the public and tourists to visit and see the adorable new calf alongside its hippo family, and to participate in the naming vote through the zoo's official channels."
