Thailand’s beloved baby hippo makes waves with election pick

In an unexpected twist to the US presidential race between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris, Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand, has made headlines with her prediction. The young hippo, housed at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, confidently picked Donald Trump as her choice for the next President of the United States.

How Moo Deng made her choice

The viral moment was captured on video and shared widely across social media platforms. In the footage, Moo Deng is enticed out of her watery habitat with food. Handlers present two watermelons marked with the names of Trump and Harris. Without hesitation, the baby hippo makes her way to the watermelon marked for Trump and eagerly devours it. The playful scene has resonated with viewers around the world, sparking a mix of amusement and intrigue.

Echoing election forecasts

Moo Deng’s lighthearted prediction aligns with the current political pulse. Recent polls, including those conducted by AtlasIntel, show Trump leading Harris in voter preference, especially across crucial swing states. According to AtlasIntel‘s latest data, about 49% of respondents expressed support for Trump, giving him a 1.8% lead over Harris.

Renowned economist Christophe Barraud, noted for his highly accurate forecasts, has also projected a Donald Trump victory, further bolstering the confidence of the former President’s supporters.

Meet Moo Deng: A viral sensation

Born in July 2024, Moo Deng has quickly risen to internet stardom thanks to her playful behavior. The pygmy hippo’s antics have captivated audiences, especially through videos posted by her handlers on TikTok and Instagram. Notably, Moo Deng once delighted fans with a “moonwalk,” reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s iconic dance move.

The baby hippo’s fame has also benefited her home zoo, leading to a significant spike in visitor numbers and revenue, quadrupling the zoo’s income in September. Moo Deng’s name, chosen through a public poll, translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, perfectly capturing her endearing and lively nature.

While Moo Deng’s prediction is far from a scientific forecast, it has charmed audiences, adding a unique flair to the tense run-up to the 2024 US presidential election.