Moo Deng is a memecoin inspired by a baby pygmy hippopotamus born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand in July 2024. This baby hippo, whose name translates to "bouncy pork" in Thai, quickly became a viral sensation online due to her adorable expressions, particularly when she was sprayed with water or lifted by her caretakers. Her cuteness led to a surge in fan art and memes, making her an internet star.

The memecoin based on Moo Deng, launched on Solana’s Pump.fun platform, has seen significant success, with its market cap surpassing $100 million in just a few weeks. This memecoin draws on the viral popularity of the hippo, much like other meme-based coins that thrive on social media-driven engagement.

The rise of Moo Deng and her associated token highlights how viral internet moments can quickly translate into financial movements in the cryptocurrency space, with both the real-world hippo and the memecoin enjoying widespread attention.