A viral baby pygmy hippo named Moo Deng has become the latest inspiration for bakers around the world, sparking a new trend in creating cakes that are deemed “too cute to eat.” This adorable baby hippo was born in July at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi and has quickly captured the hearts of millions on social media with her playful antics, from splashing around in water to enjoying belly rubs.
Moo Deng’s influence has extended beyond just social media, inspiring fanart, zoo merchandise, makeup looks from Sephora, and now cakes. Bangkok’s Vetmon Cafe kickstarted the trend by introducing a Moo Deng cake that has become immensely popular. Customers have been left torn between admiring the cake’s cuteness and actually eating it. The owner of the cafe, Chalit Kulsaree, shared that the demand for the cakes has been overwhelming, leading to a limit on orders.
Each Moo Deng cake is meticulously handcrafted by Mr. Kulsaree, featuring a chocolate fondant coating, butter cake base, and buttercream filling. Despite the painstaking effort put into each cake, the cafe has seen a surge in popularity and revenue, making hundreds of thousands of baht in just 10 days.
British cake artist Ben Cullen, known as The Bake King, has also joined the trend by creating an incredibly realistic cake version of Moo Deng. His cake, resembling the baby hippo to perfection, has garnered attention online with viewers expressing confusion and amazement at the lifelike creation.
In an unexpected turn, Moo Deng’s popularity even led to a fringe cryptocurrency named after her, which experienced a rapid increase in value, turning an $800 investment into $7.5 million for one trader. However, amidst all the adoration, Moo Deng faced challenges as some visitors at the zoo reportedly disturbed her by throwing water and objects to elicit reactions. The zoo’s director issued a warning of legal action and installed surveillance cameras to deter such behaviour.
The pygmy hippo is an endangered species native to West Africa, with only a limited population remaining due to threats like hunting for bushmeat and habitat destruction. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo had previously faced criticism in 2021 for its elephant swimming shows, which were deemed controversial and led to accusations of animal cruelty.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame as a viral sensation has not only delighted fans worldwide but also highlighted the importance of protecting endangered species like the pygmy hippo in their natural habitats.