Man Fined for Trespassing into Viral Hippo Moo Deng's Enclosure at Thai Zoo
A Thai court has imposed a fine of £233 on a man who entered the enclosure housing the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The incident, which occurred on 17 March 2026, has prompted the zoo to enhance security measures to deter potential intruders.
Details of the Trespassing Incident
The man climbed over a barrier into the enclosure shared by Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while a keeper was absent and no other visitors were present. According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy, the individual remained inside for approximately two minutes before staff noticed him. He did not attempt to flee as zoo authorities contacted the police.
Security footage, widely circulated online, shows the man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts. He approached the hippos while holding a tablet, seemingly recording the encounter. The zoo confirmed on its official Facebook page that Moo Deng and Jona were unharmed but "slightly startled" by the intrusion and were placed under veterinary observation as a precaution.
Legal Consequences and Zoo Response
The man was charged with trespassing and later released on bail. The Chonburi provincial court found him guilty and fined him 10,000 baht (£232.7). In a statement, the zoo reiterated its rules, emphasizing that "climbing or entering the animal enclosures" is strictly prohibited. The statement urged visitors to "enjoy the cuteness from a distance, respect the rules" to ensure the welfare of all animals.
Since the incident, Chodchoy told AFP that the zoo has increased security patrols to prevent similar occurrences. "We train staff on what to do if any animals escape, but from now on, we will have to train them on what to do if there are any intruders," he said. He added that the court's decision demonstrates that "no one can violate animals' rights", whether in captivity or the wild, and the zoo is committed to preventing such incidents in the future.
Background on Moo Deng's Popularity
Moo Deng, whose name derives from the Thai term for "bouncy pork", was born in 2024 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. She quickly became a global internet sensation after videos of her biting her keeper, slipping during hose-downs, and following her mother went viral, amassing millions of views. Her fame extended offline, inspiring themed cakes in Thailand and a Sephora Thailand campaign promoting "wear your blush like a baby hippo".
On peak days, over 12,000 visitors flocked to the zoo to see Moo Deng, leading authorities to implement time limits and enhanced crowd management. Previous issues included visitors throwing water and objects at her to elicit reactions, which prompted the zoo to install surveillance cameras and threaten legal action. The zoo, located about 100km southeast of Bangkok, spans nearly 2,000 acres and houses more than 2,000 animals.
