Man Arrested After Climbing Into Viral Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng's Zoo Enclosure
A man has been arrested in Thailand after he was caught climbing into the enclosure of Moo Deng, the beloved pygmy hippo who became a global social media sensation, according to zoo officials.
Security Footage Captures Trespass Incident
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while the keeper was absent and no other visitors were present, Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy told The Associated Press. Security footage, which has been widely shared online, shows a 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 recording or taking photographs.
Narongwit stated that the man remained inside the enclosure for approximately one to two minutes before staff noticed him. He did not attempt to flee while the zoo called for police assistance.
Moo Deng's Rise to Stardom
Moo Deng soared to international fame shortly after her birth in 2024, largely thanks to a keeper who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media platforms. Since then, she has attracted large crowds from Thailand and abroad who visit specifically to witness her charm in person and capture photos and videos of her endearing moments.
Legal Action and Animal Safety
Police have initially charged the man with trespassing, but the investigation is still ongoing. Narongwit emphasized that the zoo intends to pursue all available legal action against the intruder. The suspect has not been publicly identified by authorities.
The man has since been released on bail, according to Narongwit. He confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona were safe throughout the incident, as the man did not attempt to touch either animal.
Zoo's Response and Visitor Warning
In a statement posted on the zoo's official Facebook page on Tuesday, officials reported that both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and would be monitored closely by a veterinarian. 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.
About Khao Kheow Open Zoo
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo is located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bangkok. It spans 800 hectares (nearly 2,000 acres) of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals, making it one of Thailand's prominent wildlife attractions.
