From Thai Khao Kheowin the zoo has become a pilgrimage site in recent weeks.
The object of worship is actually Moo Deng– named dwarf hippopotamus, whose eating, bathing and blowing of snot balls have started to be followed closely around the world on the internet.
Thanks to Moo Deng, which became a viral hit, the shelter located in Chonburi province has started to receive three times the number of visitors compared to normal.
In addition to ticket revenues, the cult puppy has created quite a productive side business around itself. Moo Deng cakes, flip flops, and toys have sold like hot stones in Thailand, and social media platforms sell a wide selection of different fandom from clothes to Moo Deng blush.
The puppy has even created its own virtual currency called Moo Deng Coin.
A counterweight to the pain of the world
Moo Deng’s viral appeal can be explained in many different ways. Asians in particular love all kinds of animal petting, and the adoptions of pandas and other furballs are closely followed online.
According to many different studies, watching baby animals reduces the stress hormone in humans and increases the love hormone oxytocin. Watching videos can even improve concentration and give you more energy.
In light of the current uncertain world situation, it is understandable that watching cat videos is calming.
Videos also raise awareness. Moo Deng is a very rare dwarf hippopotamus, of which there are estimated to be only a few thousand in the wild in the whole world. Now millions of people know about its danger.
Pet influencers, i.e. pet influencers, are often more popular than human counterparts, because animals are seen as more authentic than people.
Probably the most famous Grumpy Cat a.k.a. the chatty cat that has reportedly generated millions of dollars since its 2012 online debut.
There are also other hair follicles.
By the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeldin with a Burmese cat At Choupette has a fortune of more than three million euros and is an American singer Taylor Swiftin cat Olivia Benson is worth hundreds of millions, according to the Ultimate Pet Rich List.
A missed opportunity for a brand consultant
In Finland, too, there has been a hairball drama recently.
Ähtäri Zoo namely, he announced that he had to return two giant pandas named Room and Snowfall.
China tried its best to keep the pandas in Finland and urged Chinese companies to make donations to the zoo.
Many foreign newspapers reported on Finland’s return operations in amazement. The premature return of the pandas is often seen as a weakening of diplomatic ties.
In light of the current world situation, it is understandable that watching cat videos is calming.
For decades, China has practiced panda diplomacy, where the country donates bears to its allied countries.
Fortunately, however, the Chinese themselves were satisfied with Finland’s decision and thanked the Finns on social media for being honest in returning the nation’s worshiped pandas to their home.
In light of all the pet chatter, would it have been worth branding the pandas more diligently to save Ähtäri’s economy?
Surely some brand consultant would have been able to produce Snow and Pyry pandas for the world.
Panda cubs frolicking in the middle of the snow are the best stream of consciousness.