Thai Man Arrested After Entering Enclosure of Viral Hippo, Moo Deng
BANGKOK (AP) — A man was arrested Tuesday after entering the enclosure of Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus who gained international fame on social media, officials at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo said.
Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy told The Associated Press the Thai man entered the enclosure while a keeper was briefly away and no visitors were present. Security footage circulating online shows the man, wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts, approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, apparently to record video or take photos.
The man remained in the enclosure for a short time before staff noticed him and alerted police. He did not attempt to flee, Narongwit said. He has since been released on bail.
Moo Deng became a viral sensation after the zoo began sharing photos and videos of the baby hippo in 2024. The adorable images quickly drew large crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, from both Thailand and abroad. The zoo, spanning almost 2,000 acres and home to over 2,000 animals, has seen a surge in visitors eager to see the hippo firsthand.
Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, but the investigation is ongoing. Narongwit stated the zoo intends to pursue all available legal options. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity.
Zoo officials confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona appeared only slightly startled by the incident and are being closely monitored by a veterinarian. In a statement posted on the zoo’s Facebook page, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo urged visitors to adhere to all rules and instructions from staff to ensure the safety of both the public and the animals.
While the man did not attempt to touch the hippos, the incident highlights the challenges zoos face in balancing public access with animal welfare and security. The popularity of animals like Moo Deng underscores the growing public interest in wildlife conservation and the role zoos play in education and preservation.
