A man has been apprehended by authorities after he was discovered climbing into the enclosure housing Moo Deng, the charming pygmy hippo who rose to prominence as a social media sensation. The incident unfolded on Tuesday at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located in Chonburi province, Thailand.
Security Footage Captures the Intrusion
According to the zoo's director, Narongwit Chodchoy, the Thai national allegedly entered the enclosure while a keeper was absent and no other visitors were present. Widely circulated security footage depicts a man dressed in a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, while holding a tablet, seemingly recording or photographing the animals.
Brief Encounter and Swift Response
Narongwit stated that the individual remained inside the enclosure for approximately one to two minutes before zoo staff noticed him. The man did not attempt to flee while the zoo contacted the police. Authorities have initially charged him with trespassing, though the investigation remains ongoing. Narongwit emphasized that the zoo plans to pursue all available legal avenues against the suspect, who has not been publicly identified by police.
Safety of the Animals Assured
The director confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona were unharmed, as the man made no effort to touch them. However, in a statement posted on the zoo's official Facebook page on Tuesday, it was noted that both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and would be closely monitored by a veterinarian. The man has since been released on bail.
Moo Deng's Rise to Fame
Moo Deng captured the public's heart shortly after her birth in 2024, largely due to a keeper who shared endearing pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media platforms. Her popularity has attracted large crowds from both Thailand and abroad, all eager to witness her charm firsthand and capture their own photos and videos.
Zoo's Appeal to Visitors
The zoo has urged all visitors to strictly adhere to rules and instructions from staff to ensure the safety of both themselves and the wildlife. Khao Kheow Open Zoo, situated about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok, spans nearly 2,000 acres and is home to more than 2,000 animals, making such safety protocols crucial for protecting its diverse inhabitants.
