Baby hippo Moo Deng might have become an overnight sensation - but her personal hygiene appears to leaves a lot to be desired.
Footage shows the animal shying away from her daily shower at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand on September 14, 2024.
The filmer said: 'Moo Deng tried to escape from the zookeeper who tried to carry her into a basin. People around were amazed by her cuteness and how bouncy she is.'
The two-month-old female pygmy hippo - whose name translates to 'bouncy pig' - is attracting large numbers of visitors to the zoo in Chonburi near the city of Pattaya.
She even has a large following online.
However, carers at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo have warned visitors not to overdo their kindness as it could harm the animal.
Zoo manager Narongwit Chodchoi said some visitors have been throwing shellfish and even splashing water on Moo Deng to try to coax her out of sleep.
He added: 'This behaviour is not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.'
Narongwit said the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around the enclosures and threatened legal action against those who mistreat the baby hippo.
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