CHONBURI, THAILAND – A weekly hippo bathing and play session at Khao Kheow Open Zoo turned Wednesdays into a regular highlight for visitors.
Midweek spotlight on hippo Kha Moo
Each Wednesday, staff at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in eastern Thailand thoroughly cleaned the hippo enclosure and turned it into a live demonstration of modern animal care. At the center was eight-year-old female hippopotamus Kha Moo, whose name translated as “pig leg” and who was regarded as a zoo star attracting visitors from Chonburi province and beyond.
Water jets and giant ball for enrichment
While keepers scrubbed the main pool and viewing area, Kha Moo received a special enrichment session with powerful water jets to cool her down and a large ball to play with. Guests watched whether the hippo actively pushed and splashed with the ball or preferred to enjoy the shower and present a calmer side, allowing different natural behaviors of the species to be observed.
Zoo stresses health and education
The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chotchoi, clearly framed the purpose of the program.
“This form of enrichment promoted the physical and mental health of the animals, kept them clean and active, and placed them in a stimulating environment,”
said Narongwit Chotchoi, director of the zoo.
“Visitors could observe the natural behavior of hippos from close range and thus develop greater appreciation for wild animals,”
said Chotchoi.
Fixed morning schedule draws crowds
The highlight of the event began between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., when keepers started the play and bathing session and tourists gathered to see Kha Moo’s mood that day. From 11:00 a.m., feeding followed, with Kha Moo eating together with her mother Sri Pink, whose interaction with her daughter became an additional attraction for many visitors.
Focus on conservation and responsible care
Beyond entertainment, the zoo presented the weekly program as a contribution to raising awareness of species conservation and responsible animal husbandry. Children, young people and adults were encouraged to recognize the value of natural resources and commit to protecting them, with the zoo repeatedly emphasizing that good animal care could be combined with engaging visitor experiences.
Open invitation to locals and tourists
Khao Kheow Open Zoo explicitly invited local residents and international tourists to attend the Wednesday activities, cheer on Kha Moo and observe her varied reactions. At the same time, the institution underlined its aim of linking responsible animal management with memorable experiences for visitors, an approach that gained growing importance in the Chonburi region.