Pygmy hippos are an endangered species. There are fewer than 2,500 in the wild.

An image of one adorns the sign of a small Thai restaurant on Fredericksburg Road near Five Points.

Perhaps Moo Deng rings a bell. That’s the name of a lovable baby hippo whose image went viral one year ago this month.

The hippo from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand also inspired a retired restaurant owner in San Antonio. Robbie Maksomboon recognized a dearth of Thai food options in Beacon Hill and opened Moo Deng Thai Restaurant in December.

“It took me one hour to come up with the name,” said Maksomboon, who is from a province in Thailand southwest of Bangkok. “But three months to come up with the concept.”

Maksomboon considered a small menu of fried rice options. He toyed with the name “Joe’s Fried

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