PATTAYA, THAILAND – Khao Kheow Open Zoo defended its care of viral pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng and announced a significantly enlarged enclosure for all of its hippos after drawing worldwide attention.
Zoo responds to global online criticism
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo said it was grateful for international interest and numerous suggestions concerning pygmy hippo Moo Deng, also known by the Thai name “น้องหมูเด้ง”. At the same time, management addressed ongoing social-media discussions in which users had criticized the cleanliness and design of the young animal’s enclosure. The zoo stressed it aimed to follow international animal welfare requirements and remain open to feedback from the public.
Clarification on hippo behaviour and cleaning
According to the zoo, widely shared pictures and videos from Moo Deng’s area most likely showed typical hippopotamus behaviour, in which animals defecate in the water or on land to mark their territory. Staff said the enclosure was cleaned every morning and cleared of excrement, fully in line with guidelines from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). The facility maintained that images circulating online should not be interpreted as evidence of poor hygiene but seen in the context of normal hippo habits.
Enclosure designed for health and natural instincts
Zoo experts emphasized that pygmy hippos needed an environment with high humidity to stay healthy over the long term and to display species-typical behaviour. They stated that the deliberate use of soil, mud and aquatic plants in the enclosure followed biological principles intended to encourage natural instincts and protect the animals’ skin. This design choice should not be confused with neglect, the zoo underlined, but understood as part of its broader welfare strategy.
‘Hippo Village’ long-term expansion approved
Looking ahead, Khao Kheow Open Zoo announced it would push forward with its long-term “Hippo Village” project, whose designs had already been approved by the responsible zoo committee. The expanded hippo area was planned to cover about 10 Rai (around 4 acres), providing space for six pygmy hippos, including Moo Deng, as well as seven larger hippos. The project was presented as a key step in upgrading facilities while aligning visitor experience with modern standards.
Construction planned to protect sensitive animals
The zoo stated that construction work would be scheduled so that noise and other disturbances for the sensitive animals were kept to a minimum. Particular attention would be paid to Moo Deng and her mother Jona, with building divided into carefully graduated phases to disturb them as little as possible. This phased approach was described as essential to maintaining the animals’ well-being throughout the development of Hippo Village.
Commitment to welfare and open dialogue
Management reiterated its goal of combining modern, visitor-friendly facilities with the highest standards of animal welfare and sustainability. The zoo explicitly invited the public to continue sending suggestions and criticism via its official Facebook page “สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo” or by telephone at 038-318444. By encouraging direct contact, the institution signalled it wanted ongoing dialogue rather than only reacting to viral social media posts.