Man Arrested After Climbing into Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng's Enclosure at Thai Zoo
A man has been arrested after he was caught climbing into the enclosure of Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who became a social media sensation, according to zoo officials in Thailand. The incident occurred at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, and has sparked widespread concern over wildlife safety and visitor conduct.
Details of the Trespassing Incident
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while a keeper was away and no other visitors were present, as reported by the zoo's Director, Narongwit Chodchoy, to The Associated Press. Security footage, which has been widely shared online, shows the man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts. He approached Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
The man remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him. Narongwit stated that the suspect did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police assistance. Fortunately, Moo Deng and Jona were safe, as the man did not try to touch them during the encounter.
Legal Actions and Zoo Response
Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, and the investigation is still ongoing. Narongwit emphasized that the zoo intends to pursue all available legal action against the individual. The suspect has since been released on bail, and police have not publicly identified him.
In a statement posted on the zoo's official Facebook page on Tuesday, officials confirmed that both animals appeared slightly startled by the incident. They are being monitored closely by a veterinarian to ensure their well-being. The zoo also issued a strong reminder to visitors, urging them to strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.
Background on Moo Deng and the Zoo
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after her birth in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. Since then, she has drawn large crowds from Thailand and abroad, with visitors eager to witness her charm in person and capture photos and videos of her cute moments.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo spans 800 hectares (nearly 2,000 acres) of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges zoos face in balancing public access with animal welfare and security measures.
