Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus who became a viral sensation, celebrated her first birthday on 10 July with a four-day festival at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Her online popularity, driven by social media videos, significantly boosted zoo visitor numbers, leading to corporate sponsorships and the creation of branded merchandise.

Thousands of excited fans flocked to a Thai zoo on Thursday to celebrate the first birthday of Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippo that has become a social media sensation.