Moo Deng: The Baby Hippo Taking the World by Storm 🌍

Moo Deng: The Baby Hippo Taking the World by Storm 🌍
And the Mystery of Why Thailand Loves Naming Animals (and People) After Food

🍜The world has fallen in love with "Moo Deng," the baby pygmy hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. But while its cuteness is stealing hearts, it’s the name that’s really grabbing attention. “Moo Deng” (meaning “bouncy pork”) was chosen through a public naming contest, beating out other food-inspired contenders like Moo Daeng (Red Pork) and Moo Sap (Minced Pork).

This has sparked the question: Why do Thais love naming animals and people after food? The answer? There are no rules!

Anything can be a name in Thailand. From food to sports, flowers to fruits, the creativity knows no bounds.

Examples:
Food: Kha Moo (Pork Hock Palo) is the name of a hippo.
Sports: Tennis is the name of Thai taekwondo athlete.
Flower: Buakaw (white lotus) is the name of a famous Thai boxer.
Fruit: Chang and Eng (gold apple) were the names of the world’s first Siamese twins
In Thailand, names are just another way to keep life fun and flavorful!