Man Fined for Breaking into Viral Hippo Moo Deng's Enclosure in Thailand
A Thai court has fined a man $300 (10,000 baht) after he illegally entered the enclosure of Moo Deng, an endangered baby pygmy hippo and internet sensation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The incident occurred last month, with footage showing the intruder recording the animal on a tablet. Although Moo Deng was unharmed, she was reportedly slightly startled by the breach. Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo's director, confirmed the guilty verdict and announced that security measures would be significantly increased to prevent future occurrences. He emphasized that the ruling underscores the protection of animal rights regardless of location. The zoo, located about two hours from Bangkok, had previously seen a surge in visitors and merchandise sales following Moo Deng's viral fame in 2024. This event highlights the challenges zoos face in managing high-profile animals amidst intense public interest.
Wire timeline
Man Fined for Breaking into Viral Hippo Moo Deng's Enclosure in Thailand
A Thai court has fined a man $300 (10,000 baht) after he illegally entered the enclosure of Moo Deng, an endangered baby pygmy hippo and internet sensation at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The incident occurred last month, with footage showing the intruder recording the animal on a tablet. Although Moo Deng was unharmed, she was reportedly slightly startled by the breach. Narongwit Chodchoy, the zoo's director, confirmed the guilty verdict and announced that security measures would be significantly increased to prevent future occurrences. He emphasized that the ruling underscores the protection of animal rights regardless of location. The zoo, located about two hours from Bangkok, had previously seen a surge in visitors and merchandise sales following Moo Deng's viral fame in 2024. This event highlights the challenges zoos face in managing high-profile animals amidst intense public interest.
BBC News