Quirky Wildlife Takes the Spotlight: New Zealand's Bird of the Year and Thailand's Baby Hippo Star

The yellow-eyed penguin, known as hoiho, wins New Zealand's Bird of the Year 2024. Meanwhile, Moo Deng, a baby hippo from Thailand, becomes an internet sensation, captivating zoo visitors and social media users with her charming antics.

The yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho has earned the title of New Zealand's Bird of the Year for 2024, securing 6,328 votes in the popular annual competition. This marks the second win for the world's rarest penguin species, as recognized by competition organizers Forest and Bird, surpassing the runner-up Chatham Island black robin and kakapo in a tight race.

In Thailand, baby hippo Moo Deng, whose name translates to 'bouncing pig,' has become an internet celebrity, drawing massive crowds to her zoo located two hours south of Bangkok. With millions of social media followers, Moo Deng's clumsy yet endearing exploits, such as attempting to nibble her handler despite still having no teeth, have won over the hearts of fans worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)