Amidst the intense buzz surrounding the US Presidential election, a baby pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand, named Moo Deng, has taken center stage as an unlikely prophet. A viral video, capturing the attention of millions, showcases Moo Deng seemingly predicting the winner of the neck-and-neck race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.
In the video, shot at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Moo Deng is lured out of the water with the enticing promise of food. Presented with two watermelons, each emblazoned with the name of a candidate, the baby hippo makes her choice – Donald Trump. This unexpected prediction aligns with recent polls, including one by AtlasIntel, which shows Trump leading with 49% of the vote, a 1.8% edge over Harris. Renowned economist Christophe Barraud, known for his accurate predictions, has also forecast a victory for Trump.
Moo Deng’s fame extends beyond her election-predicting prowess. This charismatic hippopotamus, born in July 2024, has become a global internet sensation, known for her playful antics showcased on TikTok and Instagram. She further cemented her celebrity status with a viral video of her performing a ‘moonwalk,’ reminiscent of the iconic dance move by American singer-dancer Michael Jackson. Moo Deng’s name, which translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, has become synonymous with joy and entertainment. Her popularity has brought a four-fold increase in revenue for the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Moo Deng’s charm has even reached the United States, where comedian Bowen Yang portrayed her in a ‘Saturday Night Live’ comedy sketch. She even outshined both Trump and Harris in an unofficial presidential poll conducted by “The Tonight Show”, receiving a whopping 93% of the vote.
While Moo Deng’s prediction has stirred excitement and amusement worldwide, it’s important to remember that this is a lighthearted incident, and her choice is not a definitive prediction of the election outcome. However, it’s a testament to the remarkable power of viral content and the fascination with the unexpected in a world captivated by the US Presidential elections.
