Does Moo Deng have pretty privilege?
Cuter animals get more attention and funding for conservation
Moo Deng, a two-month-old baby pygmy hippo, is Thailand鈥檚 unexpected new it girl. She鈥檚 now a viral sensation and is attracting huge queues at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province and even has her own 24-hour livestream.
The zoo says visitor numbers have doubled since her birth in July, boosting revenue that can be used for animal conservation efforts. But Moo Deng鈥檚 fame comes at a price: videos have emerged showing visitors throwing food at the plump hippopotamus so she鈥檒l squeal for their cameras.
麻豆社 Thai reporter Panisa Aemocha explains Moo Deng鈥檚 rise to fame 鈥 and criticisms that have been levelled at the Thai zoo.
We also hear from Simon Watt, author of the book 鈥淲e Can鈥檛 All Be Pandas, the Ugly Animals鈥. He discusses the link between cuteness and conservation 鈥 and how less attractive species are being left behind.
And Moo Deng superfan Ashley Calloway, a teacher from Atlanta, explains why her students can鈥檛 get enough of the adorable hippo.
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Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Zofia Louise and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde
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