Moo Nam Tok

MOONAMTOK

Moo Nam Tok is a baby pygmy hippo born at Khon Kaen Zoo in northeastern Thailand — the heart of Isaan country. Her name follows the tradition of naming pygmy hippos after Thai dishes: "moo" means pork, and "nam tok" is a fiery Isaan grilled-meat salad whose name literally means "waterfall" (named for the juices dripping off the grill). So her name roughly translates to "Waterfall Pork" — fitting for a water-loving hippo from Isaan. She's also the niece of Moo Deng — the global pygmy hippo sensation from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi. Both belong to Thailand's most famous hippo bloodline: the Khon Kaen Zoo program is connected to the Khao Kheow family, making Moo Nam Tok part of the extended Moo dynasty. Auntie Moo Deng may be the superstar from Chonburi, but this spicy little niece from up north is ready to make her own splash.