Celebrity squirrel Peanut, who had been owner Mark Longo’s beloved companion for seven years, was recently killed along with a raccoon found in Mr. Longo’s care. The decision was taken by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) after a government employee was bitten by a peanut, raising concerns over potential rabies risk. As we remember Peanut, it’s an opportune time to celebrate other beloved celebrity animals who have captured our hearts over the years, from Bitcoin dog Kabosu to hippo Moo Deng.
kabosu, doge
Kabosu, Japan’s adorable Shiba Inu, inadvertently became an internet sensation as the face of Dogecoin after a viral meme captured the hearts of millions. An adorable mugshot of Kabosu, born in 2005, featuring her raised eyebrows and adorable expression, was uploaded to Reddit by her owner in 2013. The dog died in May 2024.
moo deng, hippo
Moo Daeng is a baby pygmy hippopotamus at the Khao Khio Open Zoo in Si Racha, Thailand. Rising to fame soon after his birth, Moo Deng became a viral sensation when photos of his playful antics captured the hearts of Internet users around the world. Named through a public poll, his name translates as “bouncy pork” in Thai. Since his rise to stardom, Moo Deng has significantly increased the number of visitors to the zoo.
Pesto, Baby Penguin
Pesto is a king penguin chick born at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia. Gaining fame for his impressive size, he weighed in at 22.5 kg at just 6 months old, making him the largest king penguin chick ever seen in the aquarium. Her adorable appearance has made her a viral sensation, attracting the attention of celebrities like Katy Perry and Olivia Rodrigo.
Tardar Sauce, Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat, born Tardar Sauce in Morristown, Arizona, was an iconic Internet celebrity known for his perpetually grumpy facial expression—which was the result of the cat’s dwarfism and underbite. She became famous in 2012 after a photo was posted on Reddit. Despite his angry appearance, his family reported that he was mostly a normal cat. He died in May 2019.
“Perma-Kitten” Lil Bub
The internet’s darling “perma-kitten” Lil Bub went viral with her adorable appearance and charming personality. She was born in 2011 with genetic disorders that caused her growth to be stunted and her tongue to always hang out. After being discovered on YouTube in 2012, he quickly rose to fame, appearing on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and CNN. Her iconic “bub smile” and raspy meow have inspired countless fan art, merchandise, and even a documentary. Lil Bub and Friends (2013).
Doug the Pug
Doug Pug from Nashville, Tennessee is an internet celebrity known for his adorable looks. In 2018 he was recognized as the second most influential pet and won two People’s Choice Awards for Animal Star in 2019 and 2020. Doug also started a foundation in 2022 to help children fighting cancer. With over 18 million followers across various platforms, Doug remains a beloved figure in the online world.
