This is the impressive moment a salon created an awesome Moo Deng nail design.

A nail technician crafted the design to resemble the popular pygmy hippo in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 15.

Footage shows the step-by-step process of moulding clay onto an artificial nail and colouring it with nail polish.

The final sculpture displays the animal's head with a carrot on a food tray below it.

Moo Deng, born on August 10 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo has gained popularity for her playful nature.

The two-month-old female pygmy hippo - whose name translates to 'bouncy pig' - is attracting large numbers of visitors to the zoo in Chonburi near the city of Pattaya.

Staff said up to 12,000 visitors a day are flocking to see her. She even has a large following online.

However, carers at the zoo have warned visitors not to overdo their kindness as it could harm the animal.

Zoo manager Narongwit Chodchoi said some visitors have been throwing shellfish and even splashing water on Moo Deng to try to coax her out of sleep.

He added: 'This behaviour is not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.'

Narongwit said the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around the enclosures and threatened legal action against those who mistreat the baby hippo.

Pygmy hippos, native to West Africa, are classified as endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. Fewer than 3,000 are believed to remain in the wild.

A hippo is sometimes known as a river horse as the name 'hippopotamus' comes from the ancient Greek words 'hippos', meaning 'horse' and 'potamos', meaning 'river'.