A six-year-old boy from Thailand, affectionately nicknamed “Auto,” fulfilled his dying wish to meet Moo Deng, the world-famous pygmy hippopotamus, before passing away in June 2025. The heartfelt encounter occurred at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, where the zoo staff’s compassion and serendipity created a lasting memory for the terminally ill child.
Auto, battling terminal cancer, held one cherished dream: to see Moo Deng, the internet sensation whose playful antics had won millions of fans. In late 2024, his medical team contacted the zoo with this special request. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy didn’t hesitate, responding, “Bring him in anytime.” Despite the long lines of visitors eager to glimpse the famous hippo, the zoo swiftly arranged for Auto’s visit.
The memorable moment arrived during the Lunar New Year holidays in January 2025. Aware of Auto’s fragile condition, zoo staff asked other visitors to step aside, granting him priority access. In an almost fateful twist, Moo Deng, who typically naps in the water during visiting hours, chose to rest on land near the viewing area that day. She remained visible for an unusually long time, allowing Auto to watch her throughout his visit. Staff described him as bright, cheerful, and polite, showing no signs of sadness. Afterward, at the souvenir shop, Auto surprised everyone by picking a capybara item over Moo Deng merchandise, revealing his broad love for animals.
Born on July 10, 2024, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Moo Deng—whose name means “bouncy pig” in Thai—skyrocketed to fame at just two months old. In September 2024, videos of her nibbling her handlers (despite having no teeth) and reacting dramatically to water sprays went viral, amassing over 2 million followers across the zoo’s social media platforms. Her charm transformed the zoo’s fortunes, doubling daily visitors from 600-700 to 4,000-5,000 on weekdays and surpassing 10,000 on weekends, with peaks of over 20,000.
On June 2, 2025, Moo Deng’s caretakers, known as “Khamoo and the Gang,” shared the devastating news of Auto’s passing on social media.
“We didn’t think it would be so soon,”
They wrote, expressing their sorrow and joy at giving Auto a happy memory. The announcement sparked an outpouring of grief and gratitude online. Fans wrote, “Sweet Auto, the world will remember you. You are now Moo Deng’s guardian angel,” and “Rest in peace, our little angel Auto.”
Auto’s parents thanked the public for their overwhelming support and praised the zoo’s kindness during their son’s final months.
“The zoo gave him a moment of pure happiness,”
They said, reflecting on the experience that briefly lifted their family’s spirits.
