The viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng has captured the hearts and minds of people worldwide, so much so that she has become a Thai icon.
Recently, a local temple in the Chonburi province created figurines of the popular zoo animal.
Pictures of the items have since circulated on social media after Thai Facebook news page อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ shared them on Thursday (31 Oct).
Source: อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ on Facebook
Inspired by the Japanese fortune cat Maneki-neko, the figurines were crafted in a seated position with one arm raised.
One of the pictures also shows a group of monks performing the blessing for the figurine, accompanied by its framed prints.
According to Thai news outlet Channel 7, the figurine creator Supakit Thongsa-ad (name transliterated from Thai) consulted monks about the design of the item.
He had drawn inspiration from Moo Deng because of her virality and resemblance to the Japanese Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat.
The figurines, which have been blessed by monks, were intended as gifts for villagers making offerings at the temple.
The blessing ceremony was reportedly done at Supakit Thongsa-ad’s house.
Supakit Thongsa-ad added that none of the 3,000 figurines were made for commercial purposes.
However, reports indicated that the figurines were being advertised for “rental” at prices ranging from 200 to 2,500 baht (S$7 to S$97).
Following the viral shares, one of the head monks in Thailand, Phra Ratchdhamanithet, reportedly criticised the creation.
He considered the figurines ridiculous and also warned Buddhist devotees not to be taken in by the figurine. A Facebook user echoed such a sentiment saying, “I like Moo Deng, but this is not right”.
Moreover, several netizens raised questions regarding copyright, wondering if the creator had permission from the zoo to use the popular hippo as inspiration, reported Matichon Online.
Also read: Thai zoo earns nearly S$510K in 19 days thanks to viral baby hippo Moo Deng
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Featured image adapted from อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ on Facebook.
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