SINGAPORE: Moo Deng, a four-month-old pygmy hippopotamus, has become an internet sensation, attracting thousands of visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand. Her name translates to "bouncy pork" in Thai, and she even has a 24/7 livestream for fans worldwide.
However, the situation for pygmy hippos in the wild is dire, with fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining globally. This species, known scientifically as Choeropsis liberiensis, is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, facing a high risk of extinction.
Pygmy hippos inhabit rivers and streams in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast, but deforestation and habitat loss threaten their survival. Logging, farming, and mining activities have led to forest fragmentation, reducing their natural habitat and increasing vulnerability to predators and poachers.
Professor Ian Chan from the National University of Singapore highlights the challenges of studying these nocturnal creatures, noting that they were only discovered by Western science in the mid-1800s. Zoos like the Singapore Zoo play a crucial role in their conservation, housing five pygmy hippos, including the oldest, Minah, who is nearly 34 years old.
To enhance genetic diversity, the Mandai Wildlife Group has sent over 24 pygmy hippos to global breeding programs. The latest transfer was a two-year-old male named Thabo to Taipei Zoo for mating purposes.
Despite successful breeding in captivity, conserving pygmy hippos in their natural habitats remains a priority. Conservationists emphasize the need for on-the-ground efforts to protect these animals from poaching and habitat destruction.