Zoo insists Moo Deng’s living conditions reflect natural behaviour

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has reiterated that it has treated the world-famous pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng in line with international standards and that her enclosure reflects the species’ natural behaviour, amid public debate over her living conditions.

The zoo affirmed that it places the “happiness and health” of animals first, explaining that the appearance of Moo Deng’s enclosure is designed to support natural instincts.

The clarification followed a post on X by Siranudh Scott, a former adviser to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, who voiced concern over the conditions in which the pygmy hippo is living at the zoo in Si Racha district of Chon Buri province.

Siranudh said he found images of Moo Deng in her enclosure and pond quite disturbing, despite the fact that the pygmy hippo has generated significant revenue for the zoo.

Ultimately, he wrote, it appeared that the animal was being used mainly for commercial purposes by people around her.

Siranudh’s post attracted 3.9 million views, 1,400 reposts, 521 likes and 110 comments.

He later posted a second message on the same platform, insisting that he had no intention of criticising the zoo’s caretakers, but merely wanted to convey a message about animals’ quality of life in captivity.

That post attracted more than 262,000 views, 156 reposts, 68 likes and 46 comments.

“The quality of life and rights of caged animals are as important as those of protected wildlife. The two are not different things from my perspective,” Siranudh wrote.

In response, the zoo explained that what appears in some social media images is likely animal droppings, which pygmy hippos naturally excrete in water or on land as a way of marking territory.

Keepers, it said, clean and remove waste every morning in accordance with World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) animal welfare standards.

The zoo stressed that pygmy hippos require highly moist environments, and that providing soil, mud and aquatic plants is a biologically informed design choice.

Such conditions allow the animals to express natural behaviours and help maintain healthy skin, and are not the result of neglect, it added.

For long-term development, the zoo has approved plans for a new exhibition area covering 10 rai to accommodate six pygmy hippos and seven common hippos, providing more spacious and ecologically appropriate living conditions.

Future construction will be carried out with maximum caution to ensure that noise and activity do not disturb Moo Deng or her mother, Jonah, both of whom could become stressed. Work will be carefully phased and planned.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo reiterated its commitment to developing modern, attractive exhibits alongside the highest possible animal welfare standards, and said it welcomes public feedback via its Facebook fan page “Khao Kheow Open Zoo” or by phone at 038-318444.

Moo Deng is a female pygmy hippopotamus born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in July 2024. She became a viral internet sensation due to her bouncy, energetic and sassy demeanour.

In 2024, she attracted about 12,000 visitors daily, spawning countless memes and fan art. She made headlines around the world, including in the United States.

Los Angeles Times published a report headlined “Moo Deng is a worldwide phenomenon. How long can this global love affair last?”

The New York Times named Moo Deng a style icon of 2024, alongside James Bond actor Daniel Craig and singers Beyoncé and Adele.