Moo Deng isn’t the only viral zoo star: Meet these other adorable animals stealing hearts

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LOS ANGELES - Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo from Thailand, may have stolen the internet's heart, but she's not the only animal grabbing attention.

Across the globe, other zoo animals are going viral for their unique charm, funny antics, and captivating personalities. Here are some of the most popular zoo animals of the year.

Yes, Moo Deng has siblings — and their names might be even cuter

While Moo Deng has taken the internet by storm, she’s not the only baby hippo charming visitors at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. She has two equally adorable siblings, Moo Toon and Moo Waan.

Their names, chosen by fans through a social media poll, are inspired by beloved Thai dishes. Moo Deng means "bouncy pork," while her siblings are named Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork), adding an extra layer of cuteness to their viral fame.

Pesto the penguin: the viral sensation from Australia

Pesto, the king penguin from Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, became an internet star shortly after his birth in late January.

As the only king penguin born at the aquarium in two years, Pesto’s caretakers have been thrilled to watch him grow—now tipping the scales at over 51 pounds. His rise to fame began with a viral gender reveal party hosted by the aquarium, and since then, the adorable penguin has gained a large social media following, rivaling even Moo Deng’s popularity.

Fu Bao, the panda from South Korea

Fu Bao, a giant panda cub born at South Korea’s Everland Zoo, has been capturing hearts since her birth in 2020. Now a young panda, she has garnered even more attention with her playful nature and adorable videos. Her antics, from tumbling off platforms to playfully interacting with zookeepers, make her a social media favorite.

Giant panda Fu Bao is seen at the Shenshuping giant panda base of Wolong National Nature Reserve on June 12, 2024 in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province of China. ((Photo by An Yuan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images))

As part of China’s conservation and lease program, she was eventually returned to her homeland, marking the next chapter in her life. Her departure left a lasting impact on fans who continue to celebrate her legacy and cherish the joy she brought during her time in South Korea.

Rocky the orangutan, Indianapolis Zoo's speech-mimicking star

Rocky, a male orangutan at the Indianapolis Zoo, has become a viral sensation for his ability to mimic human speech. Known for producing unique sounds called "wookies," Rocky’s vocal talents have captivated researchers and fans alike.

Researchers at Durham University trained Rocky to match the pitch of human speech, which has provided insights into the origins of human language. His vocal abilities suggest that humans and orangutans may share a common ancestor capable of controlling voice and learning new calls.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Rocky also made headlines for announcing some of the Indianapolis Colts’ selections during the 2017 NFL Draft, further showcasing his star power.

This rare talent has made him one of the zoo’s top attractions, with many visitors eager to see him "talk." While Rocky’s "speech" is more about mimicking sounds than forming actual words, it’s a reminder of how intelligent and complex these great apes truly are.

Fiona, the hippo from Cincinnati

Before Moo Deng, there was Fiona — the beloved hippo from the Cincinnati Zoo who became a global sensation after surviving a premature birth in 2017.

Born six weeks early and weighing just 29 pounds, Fiona's story of survival and resilience touched people worldwide. Thanks to dedicated care from the zoo staff, Fiona grew into a healthy hippo, now weighing over 1,600 pounds, and continues to delight fans alongside her mother, Bibi, and half-brother, Fritz.

The Source:

This article is based on publicly available information from zoo social media platforms, updates from the respective zoos, and viral content shared on the internet.

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