The Cast ofWhite LotusSeason 3 Met Thailand's Most Viral Celebrity — Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo

Mar. 15, 2025

Moo Deng; Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola.Photo:Max/YouTube (2)

Max/YouTube (2)

While based in Thailand to filmWhite Lotusseason 3, two lucky cast members got the chance to meet Moo Deng, the viral pygmy hippopotamus.

Invideos sharedto Max and HBO’s social media channels this week, the actors were filled with joy during their visit to see the online sensation.

“I’m here to see Sam meet Moo Deng,” Hook explained while sitting beside herWhite Lotuscastmate in a golf cart at the zoo.

He jokingly replied, “No, you’re here for Deng yourself.”

Nivola and Hook star as brother and sister Lochlan Ratliff and Piper Ratliff in the comedic drama.Patrick Schwarzeneggerportrays the third sibling, Saxson Ratliff.

The White Lotus — Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola.HBO

HBO

“Sam was so excited yesterday when he found out we were coming here,” Hook said to the camera. Nivola agreed he was “stoked.”

As the duo finally arrived at Moo Deng’s exhibit, their excitement for the “Moo reveal” only intensified as the tiny hippo came darting out to see her guests.

After taking some time to marvel at how adorable the internet celebrity is, the actors played a few rounds of “True of False” to test their knowledge of the pygmy hippo who has won over the hearts of millions.

Sam Nivola and Sarah Catherine Hook.Max/YouTube

Max/YouTube

Together, Hook and Nivola learned that pygmy hippos like Moo Deng are not carnivores. They also were schooled on the translation of her name, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai.

Before wrapping their visit, Nivola and Hook tried to give Moo Deng a bouquet of roses and invited her to theirWhite Lotusseason 3 premiere, however, the pygmy hippo did not respond to either of their offers.

The White Lotus, Season 3.Fabio Lovino/HBO

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Finally, the zoo gifted Hook and Nivola with their very own set of matching Moo Deng pajamas, which the actors proudly wore over their clothing.

In addition to Hook, Nivola and Schwarzenegger as the Ratliff siblings, Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey star as their parents, Timothy and Victoria, who travel to the resort to make a vacation out of their daughter’s decision to write her college thesis on the region’s religion.

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Season 3 ofThe White Lotuspremiered Sunday, Feb. 16, at 9 p.m. ET on Max.

source: people.com