Moo Deng Mania Inflates Final Fantasy 14 Hippo Minion Prices

The viral pygmy hippo from Thailand has caused a surge in demand and price for the Hippo Calf minion in the popular MMO.

Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, became an internet sensation in September.
Final Fantasy 14 players have driven up the price of the in-game Hippo Calf minion from 17,000 gil to nearly 300,000 gil.
The Hippo Calf minion, added in the Endwalker expansion, can be obtained as a rare drop from the Vanaspati dungeon.
Square Enix contributed to the hype by sharing a viral video of the minion mimicking Moo Deng's playful behavior.
The popularity of Moo Deng has also led to increased interest in mods and merchandise inspired by the hippo.