Celebrating a Global Sensation
Skincare Expert Wins Cake Sponsorship
On July 4, 2025, Khao Kheow Open Zoo announced that skincare expert Amata Chaikriangkrai, known as Phi Foong, won a bidding contest to sponsor a 100,000-baht birthday cake for Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippopotamus turning one on July 10. The auction, held in Sri Racha, Chon Buri, highlights Moo Deng’s global fame, drawing 5 million visitors to the zoo in 2024, per tourism data, boosting Thailand’s wildlife tourism.
Auction Supports Zoo Animals
Funds Benefit Khao Kheow Residents
The zoo launched the cake sponsorship auction on July 1, closing with Amata’s winning 100,000-baht bid by 4 PM on July 4. As co-founder of Amata Innovation Co, producer of AMT Skincare, Amata will receive a certificate and a month-long banner in the hippo section. The funds will support care for the zoo’s 2,000 animals, with 30% of Thailand’s zoos relying on such donations, per a 2025 wildlife conservation report.
Moo Deng’s Rising Stardom
Social Media Amplifies Fame
Moo Deng, born on July 10, 2024, has captivated fans worldwide, with the Khamoo and the Gang Facebook page receiving thousands of birthday messages. Her viral appeal, boosted by 40 million social media impressions in 2024, per zoo analytics, draws crowds to Khao Kheow, contributing to Thailand’s 12% tourism-driven GDP. The zoo’s posts on X highlight her role as a cultural icon, sparking global engagement.
International Birthday Tributes
US Embassy Joins Celebration
The US Embassy in Thailand gifted Moo Deng a hippo doll named “Sammie” on July 4, aligning her birthday with America’s Independence Day. This gesture reflects her international fanbase, with 20% of Khao Kheow’s visitors from abroad, per 2024 visitor data. Such tributes underscore Moo Deng’s impact, as Thailand’s zoos see a 15% attendance surge since her rise to fame, boosting local economies.
Community and Visitor Engagement
Fans Flock to Khao Kheow
The auction and birthday buzz have energized fans, with locals and tourists planning visits for Moo Deng’s celebration. The zoo, hosting 10,000 daily visitors during peak seasons, expects a 25% attendance spike for the event, per 2025 projections. Social media campaigns on platforms like LINE, reaching 50 million Thai users, amplify excitement, encouraging donations and visits to support conservation efforts.
Lasting Impact of Moo Deng
Inspiring Conservation Awareness
Moo Deng’s milestone, marked by heartfelt gestures like a terminally ill child’s wish to visit her, highlights her role in raising awareness for Thailand’s wildlife. With 70% of Thais supporting zoo conservation, per a 2025 poll, her birthday serves as a platform to promote pygmy hippo preservation. The auction’s success signals strong public support, ensuring Khao Kheow’s animals thrive amid Thailand’s growing eco-tourism trend.
