Moo Deng the Hippo: A Thai Zoo's Journey to Trademark Its Internet Star

If you've been online recently, you may have come across the adorable baby hippo, Moo Deng, who's taken the internet by storm. Just a month after her debut on social media, this bouncy little pygmy hippo from Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo became a viral sensation, capturing hearts both in Thailand and around the world.

Zookeeper Atthapon Nundee, who's been sharing the daily lives of the animals under his care for five years, never expected this level of fame. Yet, once Moo Deng appeared on social media, the internet fell in love with her playful personality and cute antics. People started flocking to the zoo to see her in person, and soon, Moo Deng was the subject of memes, fan art, and even featured on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Moo Deng’s unique name, meaning “bouncy pork” in Thai, was chosen by fans in an online poll and reflects her lively nature. Her siblings at the zoo also share pork-related names, such as Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork).

Given Moo Deng’s sudden fame, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is taking steps to protect her image and ensure they benefit from her popularity. The zoo has started the process of trademarking "Moo Deng the hippo" to prevent others from commercializing her likeness. By securing this trademark, the zoo aims to raise funds that will go back into supporting and improving the animals' lives at the zoo.

The zoo has already seen a massive spike in visitors, with over 10,000 people visiting on weekends, compared to just 3,000 before Moo Deng's rise to fame. To further capitalize on her popularity, the zoo plans to sell Moo Deng-themed merchandise like shirts and pants, with proceeds supporting its endangered species programs.

Moo Deng’s story is a perfect example of how intellectual property (IP) law plays an important role in protecting unique ideas, products, and even animals’ likenesses in today’s digital world. By trademarking Moo Deng, the zoo is safeguarding its ability to control how her image is used and ensuring that any revenue generated will directly benefit the animals.

For social media users and small business owners alike, this highlights the importance of protecting your own creations—whether it’s a brand, a product, or even a viral internet star. Taking steps to secure your intellectual property ensures that you retain control and can reap the benefits of your hard work.

If you’ve got something unique, don’t wait for it to go viral before thinking about protecting it. Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or influencer, intellectual property law can help you safeguard your ideas. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us for a consultation on how to secure trademarks, copyrights, and more!

Contact our office today to learn how we can help you protect your intellectual property and make sure your ideas are in safe hands.