The latest development in the saga of Moo Deng, the baby hippo from Thailand with a global following, involves bakers creating cake versions of the adorable pygmy princess. One British cake artist, Ben Cullen, sparked outrage among hippo lovers by posting a video clip of a lifelike dessert version of Moo Deng on Instagram. Some fans were upset by the idea of eating a cake that resembled their beloved hippo, while others found the edible artwork impressive.
Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork,” was born in July 2024 at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi. Since her arrival, she has garnered millions of fans who have created makeup looks, merchandise, and now, cakes inspired by her. The controversial cake created by Cullen featured a four-layered vanilla cake with chocolate frosting that looked remarkably like the baby hippo, leading to mixed reactions from fans.
While some fans were traumatized by the idea of cutting into a cake version of Moo Deng, others found the edible artwork to be visually appealing. A bakery in Thailand, Vetmon Cafe, started making the now-viral cake after a customer requested it, leading to over a hundred preorders. The cafe handcrafts each cake with chocolate fondant and buttercream filling, resulting in a sellout situation due to overwhelming demand.
Despite her popularity, Moo Deng has also faced challenges, including overbearing fans who have harassed her at the zoo. Tourists have reportedly thrown food and splashed water on the young hippo, leading to concerns about her safety and well-being. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi has spoken out against these behaviors, emphasizing the importance of protecting the animals and providing them with a safe environment.
While Moo Deng’s antics, such as splashing in the water, enjoying belly rubs, and biting her trainer, have endeared her to fans worldwide, her fame also highlights the need for respect and boundaries when interacting with wild animals. The baby hippo’s global following has resulted in various forms of tributes, including cakes, merchandise, and makeup looks inspired by her adorable personality. Despite the controversy surrounding the edible artwork, Moo Deng continues to captivate hearts and appetites across the globe.
