Khao Kheow Open Zoo has welcomed a new pygmy hippopotamus calf, making star attraction 'Moo Deng' an aunty.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the birth yesterday. The calf was born on Wednesday to 14-year-old mother 'Moo Manao' and seven-year-old father 'Moo Toon', who is 'Moo Deng's' older brother. The newborn's sex has not yet been determined.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi reported that veterinarians have monitored the mother and calf following the birth, confirming both are in good health. The newborn has begun exploring its surroundings while staying close to its mother.
Suchart noted that 'Moo Manao' remains protective of her calf and reluctant to let zoo staff get too close, describing it as normal maternal behavior.
'Moo Toon' and 'Moo Manao' were paired on January 24, 2025, as part of a national zoo breeding initiative to expand Thailand’s pygmy hippopotamus population, with 'Moo Manao' transferred from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo) for the project.
The zoo plans to officially introduce the newborn to the public in the near future.
