K-Pop Fans Mobilize To Name Pudu Born At L.A. Zoo After NCT Member Haechan
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A tiny pudu bearing a strong resemblance to a K-Pop star has been named for him, thanks to fans who rushed to donate to the Los Angeles Zoo for the privilege.
Me and my friends went to the zoo today just to see baby haechan no regrets tbh ???????? cutest thing I've ever seen in my life 12/10 would recommend pic.twitter.com/kxKCu3u1ew
— Mel ???? | semi ia ???? (@sunberrycafe) January 20, 2019
The fawn born last month at the Los Angeles Zoo quickly gained a following on social media from fans who called it baby Haechan because of its resemblance to a member of the Korean boy band NCT.
When zoo officials caught on, they said they would name the pudu after Haechan if fans would donate $2,000 to the zoo. Fans met the goal within three hours.
Wow! @NCTsmtown fans have met the goal already, and we are *so* grateful--as a nonprofit, your generosity means the world. We'll update you tomorrow about the official naming, and sincere thanks from all who care for the animals…especially pudus Mario, Steph, & baby Haechan. ???? pic.twitter.com/vcfp3Z6Ptk
— Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (@LAZoo) January 10, 2019
The zoo says they hope the human Haechan will one day come out to meet his namesake.