Who is Jellybean? America’s Moo Deng goes viral after zoo arrival

A baby pygmy hippo named Jellybean quickly became popular online after being born at an Arizona zoo, with many people noting his resemblance to another internet favorite, Moo Deng.

In 2024, a charming pygmy hippo named Moo Deng became an online sensation due to her adorable looks and behaviour. This popularity drew large crowds to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, eager to see her. She’s become something of a standard for comparison whenever new pygmy hippos are born.

On February 23rd, the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, Arizona, welcomed a new baby pygmy hippo named Jellybean.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun, with lots of visitors coming to see the animals,” said Danielle Hinderliter, an educator at Wildlife World Zoo. “It’s wonderful to see such a big crowd gathered by the enclosure.”

Baby Pygmy hippo arrives at Arizona zoo

According to Hinderliter, the baby hippo is at her happiest when she’s swimming and enjoys being near her mother. He described watching them together in their habitat as a heartwarming experience.

Jellybean’s naming ceremony was so popular, it was even shown live on NBC’s TODAY show, instantly making her famous.

Jellybean has become a popular attraction at the zoo and has quickly gained a large following on social media, with many people comparing him to Moo Deng.

People online are absolutely loving Jellybean the hippo! Many are calling her the cutest hippo ever, and some are even comparing her to Punch, the famous monkey from Japan. Several users think Jellybean is quickly becoming the internet’s favorite animal this month.

New pygmy hippo sensation ‘Jellybean’ arrives at an Arizona zoo

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 27, 2026

One person playfully said, “Good effort, Jellybean, but now it’s Baby Punch’s moment!” Another commenter joked that they’d only continue watching if Jellybean carried around a stuffed hippo.

A baby gorilla named Punch has become an online sensation after being left by his mother and finding solace with an orangutan stuffed animal. He now has a protective member of his gorilla troop watching over him, and people continue to visit and check on his well-being.

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2026-02-27 17:18