Viral Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng Predicts 2024 US Election Winner in Quirky Video from Thailand.
With the 2024 U.S. Presidential election hours away, an unlikely “political analyst” has emerged from Thailand: Moo Deng, a viral pygmy hippo, has made her prediction for the election’s outcome. In a video that quickly went viral, Moo Deng, a resident at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, was seen “predicting” a win for Republican candidate Donald Trump over his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
The unusual prediction event involved a quirky setup by the zoo’s handlers, who offered Moo Deng two watermelons with the candidates’ names carved into them—one labeled with Trump’s name and the other with Harris’s. When presented with the two choices, Moo Deng quickly gravitated towards the Trump-labeled watermelon, munching away as her prediction was recorded on video. Another, larger hippo in the same enclosure, meanwhile, opted for the Harris watermelon, creating an amusing split-decision moment that had viewers worldwide captivated.
Moo Deng, famous baby hippo, predicts Donald Trump will win the election. pic.twitter.com/UqUnRhU0Nr
— The Rabbit Hole (@TheRabbitHole84) November 4, 2024
The baby hippo, just three months old, has become an internet sensation thanks to her charming antics and spirited personality. Born in July 2024, Moo Deng quickly rose to fame on TikTok and Instagram, where her playful personality won over netizens. Known for her “moonwalk”—a playful nod to Michael Jackson’s iconic dance move—the tiny hippo has become a zoo favorite, attracting hundreds of thousands of views on social media and boosting zoo attendance. In fact, her popularity has brought a four-fold increase in revenue for the zoo since September.
Despite the lighthearted nature of Moo Deng’s prediction, her choice coincides with recent polls that show former President Donald Trump holding a slight lead over Kamala Harris, particularly in key swing states. Polling firm AtlasIntel reports that about 49% of respondents expressed support for Trump, with Republicans leading Harris’s Democrats by 1.8% in popular vote forecasts. Renowned economist Christophe Barraud, often cited as the “world’s most accurate economist,” has also weighed in, projecting a likely Trump victory.
🇺🇸 #USElection2024 | Looking at different metrics such as betting markets, polls, election modelers’ forecasts, financial markets, as of now, the most probable outcomes are:
1️⃣ #Trump victory
2️⃣ #GOP clean sweep
*Polymarket: https://t.co/wHYuypGbPm
*Kalshi:… pic.twitter.com/RV2DlCw9Ft
— Christophe Barraud🛢🐳 (@C_Barraud) October 28, 2024
Moo Deng’s prediction and the ensuing buzz come amid a highly charged election season in the U.S., where voters are heading to the polls today to cast their ballots in what has been one of the most contentious races in recent history. With her natural charm and social media fame, Moo Deng adds a playful twist to the tense political atmosphere, giving viewers a whimsical prediction through her fruit selection.
The video of Moo Deng’s “prediction ceremony” at Khao Kheow Open Zoo underscores the baby hippo’s budding celebrity status. Named through a public poll, Moo Deng’s name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, a playful reflection of her energetic personality and adorable appearance. As an endangered pygmy hippo, she has also become a symbolic ambassador for her species, bringing awareness to the plight of pygmy hippos worldwide.
Whoa stop everything….Moo Deng doing the moonwalk 🤣 pic.twitter.com/vVKmXfIADN
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) October 1, 2024
Though Moo Deng’s prophecy was a playful moment staged for social media, it has resonated with audiences globally, blending humor with the excitement of the upcoming election. As the U.S. presidential election unfolds, Moo Deng’s lighthearted prediction serves as a reminder of the universal appeal of animals and the joy they can bring—even in times of serious political tension. Whether or not her forecast aligns with reality, Moo Deng has certainly charmed her way into the hearts of viewers around the world.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….
