This is the moment crowds gathered to watch baby hippo Moo Deng.

Holidaymakers visited the famous two-month-old pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, on October 7.

Footage shows zookeeper Benz petting Moo Deng, delighting visitors with the adorable interaction.

Moo Deng's father, Tony, had to be separated from them to prevent any instinctual harm. The staff have been caring for the mother and baby for a long time, creating a strong bond and trust between them.

She was born on July 20, 2024, to her parents Tony and Jonah and was named Moo Deng (bouncy pig/pork) through a public poll, with over 20,000 people voting for it.

She drew crowds to the zoo after gaining popularity in September 2024 as a popular internet meme, following viral images of her online.

Her fame surged when the zoo posted images of her on its Facebook page, showcasing her in funny gestures.

Due to her popularity, the number of daily visitors to the zoo doubled in early September.

The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand reported that the number of tourists visiting Khao Kheow Open Zoo in September reached 159,743, a significant increase from August's total of 98,046.

The pygmy hippopotamus is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List and is classified under Appendix II of CITES.

Pygmy hippos are small hippopotamids native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily in Liberia, with small populations in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.