{"id":1687,"date":"2025-04-27T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thai-gohan.com\/?p=1687"},"modified":"2025-03-08T19:13:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T10:13:30","slug":"20250427-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thai-gohan.com\/en\/20250427-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Thailand\u2019s Most Adorable Star: Baby Pygmy Hippo ‘Muden’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you heard about Muden (\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e39\u0e40\u0e14\u0e49\u0e07)<\/strong>, the latest sensation in Thailand? Born in July 2024 at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/strong>, this baby pygmy hippo<\/strong> has taken social media by storm, captivating visitors from across the country and beyond. In this article, we\u2019ll introduce you to Muden, explore why this little hippo is so popular, and guide you on how to visit this adorable celebrity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Who is Muden?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Muden (\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e39\u0e40\u0e14\u0e49\u0e07) is a baby pygmy hippopotamus<\/strong> born in July 2024<\/strong> at Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/strong> in Chonburi, eastern Thailand. The name Muden<\/em> means \u201cbouncy pork ball\u201d in Thai, inspired by its chubby and squishy appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pygmy hippos are much smaller than regular hippos, growing to around 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length<\/strong>. They are a rare and endangered species<\/strong>, making Muden\u2019s birth an exciting event for conservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Why is Muden So Popular?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Birth of a Star<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Muden\u2019s birth was a huge event in Thailand<\/strong>, quickly gaining attention on social media and news platforms<\/strong>. Within weeks, Muden became a national sensation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons for Muden\u2019s Popularity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Cuteness Overload<\/strong> \u2013 Muden\u2019s chubby, bouncy<\/strong>, and squishy<\/strong> body makes it irresistible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Rare Species<\/strong> \u2013 Pygmy hippos are rare<\/strong> and not commonly seen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Live Zoo Streaming<\/strong> \u2013 Khao Kheow Open Zoo\u2019s official live feeds<\/strong> let fans watch Muden grow in real time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Trending on Social Media<\/strong> \u2013 The hashtag #Muden<\/strong> trended on Instagram and Twitter, spreading internationally.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In October 2024<\/strong>, Muden\u2019s popularity helped Khao Kheow Open Zoo achieve a record-breaking 14,000 visitors in one day<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. How to Visit Muden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To meet Muden in person, head to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/strong> in Chonburi, Thailand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Zoo Information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Name:<\/strong> Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Location:<\/strong> Chonburi Province (About 90 minutes from Bangkok)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Opening Hours:<\/strong> 8:00 AM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Admission Fees:<\/strong>\n
        \n
      • Adults: 250 THB<\/strong> (~$7 USD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Children: 100 THB<\/strong> (~$3 USD)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • How to Get There:<\/strong>\n
          \n
        • From Bangkok:<\/strong> About 90-minute drive<\/strong> (Best by Grab\/taxi)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • From Pattaya:<\/strong> About 40-minute drive<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Best Times to Visit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Mornings (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)<\/strong> \u2013 Muden is most active in the early hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Muden\u2019s Zone:<\/strong> Pygmy Hippo Enclosure (Check the zoo map for directions).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Special Activities:<\/strong> Sometimes, visitors can participate in feeding experiences<\/strong>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            4. Exploring Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Aside from Muden, Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/strong> offers many attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Zoo Highlights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            ✔ Night Safari<\/strong> \u2013 Experience nocturnal animals in action.
            ✔ Animal Feeding Zones<\/strong> \u2013 Interact with giraffes, elephants, and monkeys.
            ✔ Massive Park Size<\/strong> \u2013 The zoo covers an area 90 times the size of Tokyo Dome<\/strong>. Trams are available for easy transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            5. Muden-Themed Merchandise & Souvenirs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Due to Muden\u2019s skyrocketing popularity, exclusive merchandise<\/strong> is now available!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Top Muden Souvenirs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            \u2713<\/strong> Muden Plush Toy<\/strong> \u2013 Soft and squishy, just like the real thing!
            \u2713<\/strong> T-shirts & Mugs<\/strong> \u2013 Featuring adorable Muden designs.
            \u2713<\/strong> LINE Stickers<\/strong> \u2013 Muden\u2019s cute expressions in sticker form.
            \u2713<\/strong> Cosmetic Collaborations<\/strong> \u2013 Muden-themed skincare products are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            These items can be purchased at the zoo\u2019s gift shop<\/strong> and through online stores<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            6. Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Muden is Thailand\u2019s newest animal superstar<\/strong>, drawing thousands of visitors and making waves on social media. If you\u2019re in Thailand, don\u2019t miss the chance to see this adorable pygmy hippo<\/strong> in person at Khao Kheow Open Zoo<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Key Takeaways<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            ✔ Muden is the cutest baby pygmy hippo in Thailand.<\/strong>
            ✔ Social media and live streams helped Muden gain global fame.<\/strong>
            ✔ You can visit Muden at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi.<\/strong>
            ✔ Exclusive Muden-themed merchandise is now available.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            For expats and travelers in Thailand, a visit to Muden\u2019s home<\/strong> is a must. Don\u2019t miss the chance to experience the cutest hippo in the world<\/strong>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Have you heard about Muden (\u0e2b\u0e21\u0e39\u0e40\u0e14\u0e49\u0e07), the latest sensation in Thailand? Born in July 2024 at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, this baby pygmy hippo has taken social media by storm, captivating visitors from across the country and beyond. In this article, we\u2019ll introduce you to Muden, explore why this little hippo is so popular, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"http:\/\/thai-gohan.com\/?p=1684","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[75,78],"class_list":["post-1687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-75","tag-78","en-US"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t