I loved pygmy hippos long before the world fell for Moo Deng | Natasha May

Anyone who knows me well knows I love pygmy hippos. Up until a few weeks ago, it was somewhat of a novelty answer when the question of my favourite animal came up.That is, until the rest of the world woke up to the unique cuteness of the luminescent blubber, the tiny cylindrical ears poking out perpendicular to the head, the great orb-like black eyes and the pink underbelly, since videos of Moo Deng went viral.Millions now appreciate the magnificence that is a baby pygmy hippo, but I have been admiring the species for over 15 years.For me it all began in late 2008 – it was a different time, a different baby pygmy hippo.I was 11 years old and the evening news was on in the background as I was finishing off homework, it would have been the last segment.Her name was Monifa and she was the first pygmy hippopotamus born at Sydney’s Taronga zoo in 23 years. It was love at first sight.Even though I was at an age when I knew it was impossible, I still (half) jokingly begged my parents…