“Moo Deng” Phenomenon Sparks Business Growth, Secures Trademark

Moo Deng
The winning logo showcases Moo Deng's unique characteristics, particularly the design of its open mouth and the attractive typography of "Moo Deng" that met the specified criteria.

CHONBURI — “Moo Deng the Pygmy hippo” phenomenon has not only attracted visitors from all over Thailand and abroad to Khao Kheow Open Zoo but has also created business opportunities for the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand. Recently, a logo was chosen to be registered as a trademark.

On October 17, the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand announced the results of the logo design contest for “Moo Deng,” the famous pygmy hippo star of Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The contest was open for public voting, and Logo No. 5 received the highest number of votes, with over 57,000 votes out of more than 100,000 total votes.

The committee found that Logo No. 5 distinctively showcased Moo Deng’s unique characteristics, particularly the design of its open mouth and the attractive typography of “Moo Deng” that met the specified criteria.

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Miss Grand International 2024 contestants visit Moo Deng and other animals at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province on October 16, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol.)

Ms. Piyapatsara Kaewteentan, the designer, will be called to sign a contract with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and receive a prize of 10,000 baht. The Moo Deng logo No. 5 will become the sole copyright of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand.

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Mr. Attaporn Srihayan, Director of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, stated that they are preparing to register the winning “Moo Deng logo” as a trademark with the Department of Intellectual Property to obtain commercial protection. The 38 products that previously requested permission to use Moo Deng’s image will need to seek permission individually if they want to use this new logo on their products.

“Anyone who uses the Moo Deng logo without permission from the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, which owns this trademark, will be in violation of the law,” Mr. Attaporn said.

Free Fire
Free Fire is the first online game to partner with Moo Deng.

Garena Free Fire, a popular mobile battle royale game, is one business which has partnered with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand to launch exclusive “Moo Deng” collaboration collectibles in November. Free Fire will also donate 150,000 baht to the “Moo Deng Project for Flood Victims and Animal Welfare.”

Meanwhile, the Moo Deng phenomenon has also boosted the local economy around Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Food stalls, souvenir shops, and even parking services have seen increased business, especially on weekends when tourists flock to see Moo Deng.

Local business owners and community leaders have reported significant increases in income due to the “Moo Deng fever,” particularly on weekends and holidays when visitor numbers surge.

In addition to the direct merchandise and business contracts related to Moo Deng by the Zoological Park Organization, there are indirect businesses surrounding Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The Moo Deng phenomenon has stimulated the economy for people in the nearby communities, circulating money.

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Restaurants and shops along the route to Khao Kheow Open Zoo are thriving since Moo Deng’s fame spread worldwide.

Food stalls and souvenir shops at the entrance of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province are benefiting greatly from the Moo Deng fever, according to vendors. This is especially true on weekends and holidays when tourists come to see Moo Deng.

Even the traffic congestion on Saturdays and Sundays has created new job opportunities. In the nearby community, within 250 meters of the zoo, signs have appeared offering parking services for 50 baht per car, along with tuk-tuk and motorcycle taxi services for transportation, increasing individual incomes.

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The long line of tourist vehicles on the road to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sri Racha District, Chonburi Province, has led to a new parking business run by local residents.

Jeeraphat Somboonsap, village headman of Moo 12, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, said that the Moo Deng craze has greatly impacted local businesses, especially roadside shops and food stalls, which are doing well on weekends.

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Ms. Pennapa Piyanant, 46, owner of a grilled chicken and papaya salad stall, revealed that the business is now bustling. During this long holiday, tourists have been continuously visiting Khao Kheow Open Zoo to see the “Moo Deng fever” phenomenon. This is quite different from before when it was not so lively and quiet.

“The long holiday has generated income and stimulated the tourism economy for vendors very well,” she said.

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