By Emiliano Rodriguez Nuesch and María Morena Vicente

The internet’s obsession with animals, from cats to exotic creatures, has created viral sensations like Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo, whose fame has sparked conversations about conservation. While her popularity has helped raise awareness for endangered species like the pygmy hippo, it also highlights the risk of turning animals into entertainment objects, sometimes at the expense of their well-being.

Similar stories can be seen with other viral animals. Let’s explore some of them:

Grumpy Cat, with her permanently grumpy face, became an internet sensation, sparking countless memes, merchandise, and even a movie.

However, her rise to stardom raised concerns about the exploitation of pets for profit and their overexposure to media, potentially affecting their well-being. Nevertheless, her widespread popularity also led to a greater appreciation for animals with unique or "imperfect" appearances.

A similar example is Boo the Pomeranian, one of the earliest cases of how internet virality can turn pets into global phenomena. Boo's fame, like Grumpy Cat’s, sparked concerns about the commercial exploitation of pets, as he became the face of numerous products and merchandise.

Do you know Mr. Pokee? He happens to be a small hedgehog with a massive Instagram following. He became famous for his adorable poses in picturesque settings, often used in travel photos with captions meant to inspire happiness and positivity.

As his popularity increased, so did this controversial trend of keeping hedgehogs as pets, with critics warning that social media glamorization leads to unprepared owners, poor care, and abandonment of these exotic animals.

Meet Freya, a wandering walrus who was spotted off the coasts of multiple European countries, became famous as videos and pictures of her lounging on boats went viral. She gained massive online attention for her laid-back, out-of-place appearances.

Her popularity raised awareness of the displacement of marine animals due to environmental changes. However, it also led to human interference, as people tried to approach and interact with her. Sadly, Freya had to be euthanized after authorities deemed her a public safety risk, sparking outrage and further discussions about the impact of viral fame on wildlife safety.

While adorable animal videos on the internet can foster empathy and raise awareness, especially for endangered species, it's important to consider the context. Sometimes, there's nothing cute about it, as stardom is not their natural environment.

The Pygmy Hippo: viral fame and real-life consequences