Animal instinct: The price of TikTok's celebrity culture
The viral popularity of baby animals such as Moo Deng in zoos around the globe boosts visitor numbers and raises awareness. However, life in captivity can also pose serious risks. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Moo Deng, a four-month-old pygmy hippo at a Thai zoo, has captured the hearts of many, becoming an internet sensation. The young hippo is celebrated with numerous fan pages, dedicated songs, a 24-hour live stream, and even a makeup line inspired by her. The social media frenzy surrounding Moo Deng also highlights other beloved animals, including Amara, a pygmy hippo at London Zoo; Biscuits, a seal in Canada; Pesto, a penguin in Melbourne; Hujan, a baby elephant in Malaysia; and Hua Hua, a panda in China. Fans of these animals express their “cute aggression” and crave regular updates on their activities.
However, this soaring popularity raises ethical concerns about animal captivity. Memories of animals like Lolita, the orca who passed away last year after years in Miami Seaquarium; Harambe, the gorilla shot in Cincinnati Zoo after a tragic incident; and Flocke, the lonely polar bear in Nuremberg Zoo serve as reminders of the complex issues surrounding animal enclosure.
While the growing awareness of endangered species, such as pygmy hippos, leads to increased revenue for zoos and aquariums—thus helping improve animal welfare and conservation—questions arise regarding how these institutions leverage the social media buzz.
“Zoos primarily deal with three aspects of conservation – practice, advocacy and research,” explains Indian conservationist Latika Nath, who facilitated a conservation program for Northern White Rhinos.
Nath elaborates, “Conservation practice entails captive breeding, species reintroduction programs, species survival plans and the use of zoo revenue for conservation programs in the wild. Advocacy involves public engagement, promoting awareness, advocating stewardship, and fundraising events and schemes – a good example of which is the ‘Adopt an Animal’ scheme at most modern zoos. Research is conducted on wildlife biology, population dynamics, animal behavior, health and welfare; there are also publications generated by zoos on animal care and captivity.”
The surge in Moo Deng's fame has led to an impressive increase in visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Attendance has skyrocketed from 600-700 to over 30,000 people, with eager crowds waiting in line for hours. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy noted that within just three weeks of Moo Deng’s birth, visitor numbers increased by 50%. Since her arrival, the zoo has reportedly amassed around 11 million baht, with projections indicating total revenue might exceed 200 million baht this financial year. Moreover, merchandise related to Moo Deng has generated additional income.
Beyond the financial implications, Moo Deng serves a vital educational purpose. The zoo utilizes her popularity to raise awareness about pygmy hippos, whose wild population has plummeted to fewer than 3,000. In addition to informing visitors about these creatures and their conservation status, Moo Deng's live stream draws attention to other species within the zoo, promoting understanding of their natural behaviors and habitat needs.
Other zoos are also leveraging the momentum generated by Moo Deng. London Zoo's Amara, a three-year-old pygmy hippo, has been included in campaigns aimed at raising awareness of endangered species through initiatives like the European Breeding Programme and the Zoological Society of London's conservation recovery efforts. As Alex Kemsley, senior press officer at London Zoo, states, “As a conservation zoo that’s also part of global charity ZSL, we’re working to create a world where wildlife thrives.”
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium has experienced a similar phenomenon with Pesto, a baby king penguin whose growth and clumsiness have captivated audiences. A spokesperson commented, “We’ve seen record-breaking visitor numbers, with attendance up by an impressive 50 to 70% compared to our usual figures.” Pesto’s fame has not only increased attendance but also sparked a broader conversation about penguins and their environment.
Social media’s role in driving interest in wildlife cannot be overlooked. Animal-related content often garners significant engagement, as seen with viral sensations that enhance awareness of conservation issues. “It may, in fact, be important to embrace emotional attachments to wildlife because it incentivizes people to care, thus helping conservation in the long run,” Nath points out.
Anthropomorphism—or the attribution of human traits to animals—can enhance conservation efforts. “Studies have shown that having this sense, especially at a young age, encourages people to make more environmentally friendly decisions later in life,” she adds.
Messages surrounding animal celebrities have shown tangible results in conservation movements. P-22, a mountain lion in Los Angeles, became a beloved figure, leading to increased funding for wildlife initiatives. Iconic animals in their native habitats also attract tourists, generating revenue that supports conservation efforts.
Despite the benefits, the captivity of animals should not be overlooked. “Confined solitary lives, with forced exposure to visitors, is one of the greatest evils of zoos and one that needs to be acknowledged and changed,” asserts Nath. Nevertheless, the contemporary role of zoos is shifting toward conservation advocacy, working on national and international levels to benefit wildlife.
Ultimately, Moo Deng and her global companions signify the power of social media to spark interest in endangered species, drawing attention to the vital conservation efforts that can stem from viral fame.As Moo Deng and other animal celebrities continue to draw attention, the challenge remains to balance the excitement generated by social media with ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. Public fascination can foster important conversations about conservation, but it must be paired with a commitment to the well-being of the animals involved.
Zoos are increasingly recognizing the need to improve the quality of life for their residents. This includes providing larger, more naturalistic enclosures that accommodate the behavioral needs of the animals. Nath emphasizes the importance of these changes, stating, “Zoos can influence conservation on site and in local communities. They can also work at national and international levels to coordinate breeding programs and share animals, genetics, skills, and knowledge.”
In adapting to the evolving role of zoos, many facilities are also focusing on community engagement. By involving local populations in conservation efforts, zoos can foster an appreciation for wildlife that extends beyond their gates. Educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with schools play a crucial role in building a conservation-minded public.
Moreover, the success stories of animal celebrities can inspire new generations to care about wildlife. This inspiration often translates into real-world actions such as volunteering, supporting conservation organizations, or advocating for wildlife-friendly policies. “Inspiring people to love nature is the first step to creating change – a responsibility we take seriously,” Kemsley explains.
Despite the positive impacts of animal fame, there is still a pressing need for the public to critically assess the consequences of captivity. Activists and organizations continue to push for improved regulations and practices, calling for transparency in how zoos operate and how they prioritize animal welfare. This pressure can lead to significant reforms that align entertainment with ethical animal care.
Another vital aspect of this conversation is the role of technology in facilitating a connection between the public and wildlife. Live streams, social media posts, and virtual tours enable people to observe and learn about animals from the comfort of their homes. This not only generates interest in conservation but also creates a more empathetic relationship with wildlife, helping to foster a sense of responsibility among viewers.
As the popularity of stars like Moo Deng persists, zoos have the opportunity to harness this moment for greater good. By using their platforms to advocate for real-world action, they can turn fleeting internet fame into lasting conservation efforts. With millions of eyes on them, animal celebrities can ignite a passion for protecting endangered species and their habitats.
In conclusion, while the viral fame of animals like Moo Deng highlights the importance of conservation awareness, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of such popularity translate into meaningful changes in policy and practice within zoos. The road ahead involves fostering a culture of respect and care for all wildlife, where awareness leads to action, and where the joy of observing and learning about animals enhances efforts to protect them. With ongoing public support and a commitment to ethical practices, zoos can emerge as crucial allies in the fight against extinction and toward a sustainable future for wildlife.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
However, this soaring popularity raises ethical concerns about animal captivity. Memories of animals like Lolita, the orca who passed away last year after years in Miami Seaquarium; Harambe, the gorilla shot in Cincinnati Zoo after a tragic incident; and Flocke, the lonely polar bear in Nuremberg Zoo serve as reminders of the complex issues surrounding animal enclosure.
While the growing awareness of endangered species, such as pygmy hippos, leads to increased revenue for zoos and aquariums—thus helping improve animal welfare and conservation—questions arise regarding how these institutions leverage the social media buzz.
“Zoos primarily deal with three aspects of conservation – practice, advocacy and research,” explains Indian conservationist Latika Nath, who facilitated a conservation program for Northern White Rhinos.
Nath elaborates, “Conservation practice entails captive breeding, species reintroduction programs, species survival plans and the use of zoo revenue for conservation programs in the wild. Advocacy involves public engagement, promoting awareness, advocating stewardship, and fundraising events and schemes – a good example of which is the ‘Adopt an Animal’ scheme at most modern zoos. Research is conducted on wildlife biology, population dynamics, animal behavior, health and welfare; there are also publications generated by zoos on animal care and captivity.”
The surge in Moo Deng's fame has led to an impressive increase in visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Attendance has skyrocketed from 600-700 to over 30,000 people, with eager crowds waiting in line for hours. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy noted that within just three weeks of Moo Deng’s birth, visitor numbers increased by 50%. Since her arrival, the zoo has reportedly amassed around 11 million baht, with projections indicating total revenue might exceed 200 million baht this financial year. Moreover, merchandise related to Moo Deng has generated additional income.
Beyond the financial implications, Moo Deng serves a vital educational purpose. The zoo utilizes her popularity to raise awareness about pygmy hippos, whose wild population has plummeted to fewer than 3,000. In addition to informing visitors about these creatures and their conservation status, Moo Deng's live stream draws attention to other species within the zoo, promoting understanding of their natural behaviors and habitat needs.
Other zoos are also leveraging the momentum generated by Moo Deng. London Zoo's Amara, a three-year-old pygmy hippo, has been included in campaigns aimed at raising awareness of endangered species through initiatives like the European Breeding Programme and the Zoological Society of London's conservation recovery efforts. As Alex Kemsley, senior press officer at London Zoo, states, “As a conservation zoo that’s also part of global charity ZSL, we’re working to create a world where wildlife thrives.”
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium has experienced a similar phenomenon with Pesto, a baby king penguin whose growth and clumsiness have captivated audiences. A spokesperson commented, “We’ve seen record-breaking visitor numbers, with attendance up by an impressive 50 to 70% compared to our usual figures.” Pesto’s fame has not only increased attendance but also sparked a broader conversation about penguins and their environment.
Social media’s role in driving interest in wildlife cannot be overlooked. Animal-related content often garners significant engagement, as seen with viral sensations that enhance awareness of conservation issues. “It may, in fact, be important to embrace emotional attachments to wildlife because it incentivizes people to care, thus helping conservation in the long run,” Nath points out.
Anthropomorphism—or the attribution of human traits to animals—can enhance conservation efforts. “Studies have shown that having this sense, especially at a young age, encourages people to make more environmentally friendly decisions later in life,” she adds.
Messages surrounding animal celebrities have shown tangible results in conservation movements. P-22, a mountain lion in Los Angeles, became a beloved figure, leading to increased funding for wildlife initiatives. Iconic animals in their native habitats also attract tourists, generating revenue that supports conservation efforts.
Despite the benefits, the captivity of animals should not be overlooked. “Confined solitary lives, with forced exposure to visitors, is one of the greatest evils of zoos and one that needs to be acknowledged and changed,” asserts Nath. Nevertheless, the contemporary role of zoos is shifting toward conservation advocacy, working on national and international levels to benefit wildlife.
Ultimately, Moo Deng and her global companions signify the power of social media to spark interest in endangered species, drawing attention to the vital conservation efforts that can stem from viral fame.As Moo Deng and other animal celebrities continue to draw attention, the challenge remains to balance the excitement generated by social media with ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. Public fascination can foster important conversations about conservation, but it must be paired with a commitment to the well-being of the animals involved.
Zoos are increasingly recognizing the need to improve the quality of life for their residents. This includes providing larger, more naturalistic enclosures that accommodate the behavioral needs of the animals. Nath emphasizes the importance of these changes, stating, “Zoos can influence conservation on site and in local communities. They can also work at national and international levels to coordinate breeding programs and share animals, genetics, skills, and knowledge.”
In adapting to the evolving role of zoos, many facilities are also focusing on community engagement. By involving local populations in conservation efforts, zoos can foster an appreciation for wildlife that extends beyond their gates. Educational programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with schools play a crucial role in building a conservation-minded public.
Moreover, the success stories of animal celebrities can inspire new generations to care about wildlife. This inspiration often translates into real-world actions such as volunteering, supporting conservation organizations, or advocating for wildlife-friendly policies. “Inspiring people to love nature is the first step to creating change – a responsibility we take seriously,” Kemsley explains.
Despite the positive impacts of animal fame, there is still a pressing need for the public to critically assess the consequences of captivity. Activists and organizations continue to push for improved regulations and practices, calling for transparency in how zoos operate and how they prioritize animal welfare. This pressure can lead to significant reforms that align entertainment with ethical animal care.
Another vital aspect of this conversation is the role of technology in facilitating a connection between the public and wildlife. Live streams, social media posts, and virtual tours enable people to observe and learn about animals from the comfort of their homes. This not only generates interest in conservation but also creates a more empathetic relationship with wildlife, helping to foster a sense of responsibility among viewers.
As the popularity of stars like Moo Deng persists, zoos have the opportunity to harness this moment for greater good. By using their platforms to advocate for real-world action, they can turn fleeting internet fame into lasting conservation efforts. With millions of eyes on them, animal celebrities can ignite a passion for protecting endangered species and their habitats.
In conclusion, while the viral fame of animals like Moo Deng highlights the importance of conservation awareness, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of such popularity translate into meaningful changes in policy and practice within zoos. The road ahead involves fostering a culture of respect and care for all wildlife, where awareness leads to action, and where the joy of observing and learning about animals enhances efforts to protect them. With ongoing public support and a commitment to ethical practices, zoos can emerge as crucial allies in the fight against extinction and toward a sustainable future for wildlife.
Max Fischer for TROIB News
