From Moo Deng to Pesto: These are the adorable zoo animals that are going viral

This year alone, we’ve seen a surge in the number of adorable zoo animals that have graced our feeds. By now, everyone has heard of Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, whose endearing antics have made her an internet sensation. But it doesn’t end there. In fact, we’ve seen a new wave of viral sensations from around the world. Take, for instance, Pesto, the large baby king penguin from the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia. While these animals have charmed fans globally, they are also sparking conversations about wildlife conservation.

Inspired by these two internet stars, we’ve decided to round up some of the other most-talked-about animals from the other zoos that we all can’t seem to get enough of.

1. Moo Deng

Moo Deng may just be a baby pygmy hippo but she’s also the internet’s It-girl. Born on July 10 this year, the icon is best known for wreaking havoc inside her enclosure at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. In the videos of her circulating online, Moo Deng is seen throwing tantrums, biting her keepers and more recently, doing her cute little moonwalk. Ever since she went viral online, Moo Deng has inspired others to create her own merch line, beauty trends, cryptocurrency and an SNL sketch. Since so many people can’t get enough of her, the zoo has even set up a livestream, allowing fans to enjoy her playful antics from the comfort of their own homes without needing to visit the zoo.

2. Pesto 

This big boy has caught the attention of many for being an absolute unit. At nine months old, Pesto the penguin weighs about 22kg while most fully grown King Penguins weigh around 13kg. And if that wasn’t enough to make him stand out, Pesto’s still rocking his black, fuzzy baby feathers, making him all the more adorable compared to his sleek-feathered peers.

3. Hua Hua

Meet Hua Hua, the onigiri-shaped giant panda star stealing hearts in China. Known for her sweet, gentle personality, Hua Hua is adored for her round, onigiri-like body and her calm, thoughtful demeanour. She spends her days playing with her sister, He Ye, nibbling on bamboo, and playing with her keeper. Despite developmental delays that left her smaller than her panda pals, Hua Hua’s charm and resilience have made her a beloved star.

4. Biscuits

This slippery little princess has captured the internet’s heart with her quirky charm and big, round eyes. Rescued in August after being separated from her mother, this adorable baby seal is now under the care of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Society. She shot to viral fame when a TikTok video of her wiggling around gained millions of views and an impressive 4.1 million likes—and counting. 

5. Luna 

Luna the baby sea otter, who comes from the same rescue centre as Biscuits, is also making headlines. This newborn female pup was found all alone on Vargas Island, so young that her umbilical cord was still attached. Newborn sea otters are completely helpless and rely entirely on their mothers, meaning Luna wouldn’t have survived on her own. Thankfully, she’s now getting round-the-clock care from her dedicated rescue team, who are ensuring this little fighter gets the love and attention she needs.

6. Molé

Molé is an adorable orphaned sloth from the Kids Saving the Rainforest rehabilitation centre in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Growing up without his mother, Molé finds comfort in clinging to his favourite teddy bear, which he never lets go of. He also spends his days practising his tree-crawling skills as part of his behavioural enrichment, slowly preparing for life in the wild.