Moo Deng Meets White Lotus Stars: A Pygmy Hippo’s Viral Moment in Thailand

So, picture this: two of the hottest stars from HBO’s critically acclaimed series, *The White Lotus*, spicing up their behind-the-scenes adventures in Thailand as they rub elbows with an internet sensation—a seven-month-old pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola, who play siblings Lochlan and Piper Ratliff in the show’s latest season, swooped into the Khao Kheow Open Zoo for some adorable antics with Moo Deng, who became an online darling with videos capturing her antics shared by the zoo last year.

In a delightful Instagram clip from Max, Sarah couldn’t help but hype up Sam’s excitement—”He went to the gym just to look good for Moo,” she quips. The charm of Moo Deng isn’t lost on anyone; even Sam alerted Sarah to her viral acclaim by wondering if she recognized her own name—spoiler alert: she totally does! Viewers will see the hippo eat with her parents and even answer their calls for attention, demonstrating that she’s not just a pretty face but a savvy social media star herself.

Fresh off the buzz of their adorable encounter, the actors invited Moo Deng to their season three premiere, promising a glam squad to ensure she would look fabulous. Let’s be real, can you even call yourself a celebrity if you haven’t invited a cute animal to your movie premiere?

But Moo Deng isn’t the only star in this season of *The White Lotus*. Fans can look forward to K-pop superstar Lisa (of Blackpink fame), who makes her acting debut as Mook. Upcoming drama hunk Jason Isaacs (yes, Lucius Malfoy himself!) will flex his acting chops as an uptight father figure, Timothy Ratliff, alongside the impressive ensemble cast that includes Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and of course, our hippo friends.

So pack your bags (and your hopes to meet Moo Deng) because *The White Lotus* is set to turn heads with its star-studded lineup and an adorable twist on celebrity encounters. And while Moo Deng won’t feature on the show, her viral charm is here to stay—who wouldn’t want diva time with a hippo, right? Get ready, folks; season three promises to be a rollercoaster of drama sprinkled with cuteness overload!

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and E! Online, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter