A man in Thailand found himself facing legal consequences after an ill-advised attempt to get up close and personal with a social media celebrity—a pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. The incident occurred at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, where the man climbed into the enclosure housing Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, on Tuesday evening.
Security Footage Captures the Trespass
Surveillance footage that quickly spread across social media platforms shows the unidentified individual wearing a black tuque, sunglasses, a green top, and brown shorts. He approached the hippos while holding up a tablet, apparently attempting to take photos or record video of the animals. According to Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo director, the man entered the enclosure when no keeper was present and no visitors were around.
Quick Response from Zoo Authorities
The man remained inside the enclosure for approximately two minutes before zoo staff noticed him and alerted the police. Notably, he did not attempt to flee when confronted by officials. He was initially charged with trespassing and has since been released on bail. The zoo has stated its intention to pursue further legal action against the individual.
Animals Unharmed but Startled
Fortunately, both Moo Deng and Jona were unharmed during the encounter. In a statement posted on Facebook, the zoo reported that the animals appeared slightly startled by the incident. They are being closely monitored by a veterinarian as a precautionary measure to ensure their well-being.
Moo Deng's Rise to Internet Stardom
Moo Deng became an internet sensation following her birth in 2024, when her keeper began sharing adorable photos and videos of the baby pygmy hippo on social media. Her cuteness captivated audiences worldwide, turning her into a viral star and drawing large crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo from across the globe.
Zoo Issues Safety Reminder
In light of this incident, the zoo has reiterated its call for visitors to strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff. This is crucial for the safety of both the public and the wildlife housed at the facility. The statement emphasizes that such breaches not only pose risks to humans but can also cause stress and potential harm to the animals.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with trespassing in zoo enclosures, especially when dealing with wild animals, regardless of their perceived tameness or celebrity status. Authorities hope this event will discourage similar behavior in the future.
