|
A zoo in Thailand is urging its visitors to behave after a doubling in attendance following the birth of a baby pygmy hippo called Moo Deng
Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Sep 2024
Moo Deng has become a viral sensation in Thailand and beyond Credit: Khao Kheow Open Zoo
The director of a zoo in Thailand has urged visitors to behave when they visit, following a surge in popularity for one of its residents - a baby hippopotamus called Moo Deng.
Roughly two months old, Moo Deng is a female pygmy hippo that has been drawing crowds at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, with attendance almost doubling since the animal’s birth in July.
But Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director, has said guests must behave after videos showed the animal being mistreated.
“These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous,” said Chodchoi. “We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
Among the videos shared on multiple social media platforms, visitors have been seen throwing shellfish and splashing water on the hippo in an attempt to rouse her from sleep.
In an attempt to deter visitors from such actions, the zoo has installed CCTV around the enclosure, threatening legal action against anyone it finds to have mistreated Moo Deng.
In addition to taking action against visitors who mistreat the animal, crowd management strategies have been implemented, with a maximum of 50 people allowed to see the enclosure for a period of five minutes.
Moo Deng is part of an endangered species of pygmy hippo, which is native to West Africa. Fewer than 3,000 of the animals are thought to be left in the wild.
Since Moo Deng’s birth, more than 90% of the zoo’s posts have been about the animal, which has its own range of merchandise, while other brands such as Sephora, have created products inspired by the animal.
The name Moo Deng roughly translates to ‘bouncy pig’. She has two half-sisters - Moo Tun (stewed pork) and Moo Wan (sweet pork). Moo Deng’s name was chosen as the result of a public vote.
Animal attractions
|
|
Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
|
