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Thai Court Fines Man $300 for Entering Enclosure of Pygmy Hippo Moo Deng
A Thai court fined a man 10,000 baht ($300) for breaking into the enclosure of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The zoo director stated the hippo was unharmed but startled, and security measures will be increased. Moo Deng gained internet fame in 2024 after videos of her behavior were shared on social media.
Apr 8, 7:33 AM·1m read1 source
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A man has been fined 10,000 baht ($300 or £223) by a local court in Thailand for entering the enclosure of Moo Deng, an endangered baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The incident occurred last month, according to Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo's director. Footage released by local media showed the man inside the enclosure recording Moo Deng with a tablet.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is located about two hours' drive from Bangkok. The pygmy hippo, born in July 2024, became an internet sensation that year after the zoo shared videos of her behavior on social media. Videos of Moo Deng led to the creation of memes and a significant increase in zoo visitors, with thousands attending each weekend to see her.
The zoo reported that Moo Deng was unharmed following the intrusion but appeared slightly startled.
Narongwit Chodchoy stated that the court decision affirms protections for animals in enclosures and in the wild. The zoo has since increased security patrols in response to the event. Chodchoy told AFP that staff training will now include procedures for handling intruders, in addition to existing protocols for escaped animals.
He emphasized that the zoo aims to prevent similar incidents involving Moo Deng or other animals. Merchandise featuring Moo Deng, such as inspired clothing, has been produced and sold to fans.
name translates roughly to 'bouncy pig' in Thai.
Her viral popularity has drawn attention to the conservation needs of pygmy hippos, an endangered species. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing public access to popular zoo animals amid rising visitor numbers.
