Zoo turns viral hippo feeding fail into visitor attraction

A Thai zoo has responded to a viral video showing a woman repeatedly trying and failing to feed a hippopotamus by introducing a hippo statue that allows visitors to practice their aim, turning an internet sensation into an interactive attraction.

The trend began about a week ago when a video posted by TikTok user @salindamungkhon and filmed at Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm & Zoo went viral in Thailand and attracted international attention.

The clip shows a woman making four consecutive attempts to throw fruit into the hippo’s mouth, with every attempt ending in failure.

The hippo’s seemingly unimpressed expression added to the humour, prompting social media users to share jokes and create AI-generated images imagining the animal’s reaction to the repeated misses. (continues below)

Photo: @thatgirIsteph

Photo: @Mr.Donut915

The video quickly gained traction on TikTok and is approaching two million views.

Seizing on the online buzz, the zoo soon introduced a hippo-shaped statue that allows visitors to try their hand at throwing food into its open mouth.

The seemingly hastily installed attraction has amused visitors, with many laughing at how quickly the zoo turned the viral moment into a real-life activity.

The move has also fuelled the online trend, demonstrating how quickly a social media sensation can be transformed into an attraction for visitors.