A Thai man was arrested after he snuck into the enclosure of Moo Deng, a sassy pygmy hippo who went viral globally in September 2024. The incident happened Tuesday evening at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, southeast of Bangkok.
Zoo officials said both Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, appeared startled but unharmed. However, staff later confirmed on Facebook that the animals were safe and under close veterinary observation. The zoo also reminded visitors to follow safety rules at all times.
Man entered enclosure while staff were away
Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy told the Associated Press that the man entered the enclosure while a keeper was briefly absent and there were no other visitors nearby.
Security footage showed the man, wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts, walking toward Moo Deng and her mother, Jona. He seemed to be taking photos or video of the pygmy hippos, but did not make physical contact with them.
The man was noticed quickly and was arrested without resistance, according to the zoo. Authorities charged him with trespassing, though the investigation is ongoing. He was eventually released on bail, according to Chodchoy.
Importantly, officials confirmed that the man never tried to touch the animals. Even so, the zoo said it planned to pursue legal action. In its public statement, the zoo urged visitors to "strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife."
Moo Deng’s popularity drew strong reactions online
Moo Deng rose to fame shortly after her birth in 2024. A zookeeper regularly posted photos and videos of the sassy little hippo on social media, which quickly gained traction online.
Since then, visitors from Thailand and abroad have traveled to see her in person. There is even a 24/7 live feed video of the pygmy hippo's enclosure on OnePlanet's YouTube page.
However, the incident prompted frustration from fans. Many people on social media criticized the man’s behavior and called for stricter security.
@SnowcatTish wrote, "JFC just leave her alone! Just watch and take a picture from outside her enclosure like a normal person." Meanwhile, the fan account @MooDengSOL posted, "Don't mess with our Moo Deng or be arrested!!!"
Thinking about the safety of the viral wild animals, @Nmawazo tweeted, "Crazy situation, but it is good to hear Moo Deng is safe. That adorable pygmy hippo has captured so many hearts. It is great that the zoo is keeping a close eye on everything."
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