Moo Deng, the globally beloved baby hippo from Thailand, has made a playful prediction for the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, forecasting a victory for former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate.
According to AFP, Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand, shared a video on social media on Monday, showing Moo Deng engaging in a lighthearted election prediction event.
In the video, the zoo placed two fruit plates on the ground, each inscribed with the names of Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. They then waited for Moo Deng to make her choice.
After emerging slowly from the water, Moo Deng approached the plates and picked the one bearing Trump’s name. Meanwhile, another hippo at the zoo chose the plate with Harris’s name.
The fun prediction gained further attention when NBC’s The Tonight Show aired a poll in September featuring Moo Deng alongside Trump and Harris as candidates.
Moo Deng emerged as the overwhelming favorite in the poll, securing the poll with 93% support, while Harris and Trump garnered 4% and 3%, respectively.
This lighthearted prediction event, which captured the imagination of audiences not only in Thailand but also across the U.S., added a fun twist to the buildup to the U.S. election.
Born in June, Moo Deng is a female pygmy hippo who has become an interest sensation thanks to her adorable, chubby appearance. Thailand has taken full advantage of Moo Deng’s popularity, using her in tourism campaigns and public promotions.