The Khao Kheow Open Zoo director has defended the facility against accusations by an animal rights organisation that the zoo pushed “Moo Deng”, a pygmy hippo, to stardom to increase income, while neglecting her and other animals' welfare.
Narongwit Chodchoi, director of the zoo in Chon Buri, said the claims are groundless, saying “The zoo has four missions, conservation, research, education, and recreation. We evaluate the welfare of all animals every year, not just Moo Deng, to ensure their well-being.”
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said, “Khao Kheow Open Zoo claims to breed animals in captivity for ‘conservation,’ but let’s be honest; these businesses breed animals far away from their natural homes and keep them prisoner for profit.”
PETA and Born Free have urged British tourists not to visit famous animals in zoos, including Moo Deng, arguing that their fame contributes to their continued captivity.
The campaigners claim that, in 2024, Moo Deng became an “unwilling social media star” after a zookeeper posted a video of her on Instagram, which went viral globally.
“It is distressing that Moo Deng continues to be used as a tool for boosting the profile and revenue of the zoo where she is held captive,” the organisation stated, adding that the popularity of ‘celebrity’ animals, both online and in the real world, is deeply concerning to Born Free, not least because of the detrimental impact on their welfare.
This is the second time PETA has raised concerns about Moo Deng’s treatment. In September last year, the group called for her release, arguing that she belongs in the wild and accusing the zoo of exploiting her for profit.
“TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the reality is far from cute,” said a Sept 23 post on the PETA Facebook page, adding “The zoo in Thailand is exploiting her for profit, parading her around like an attraction. A hippo’s home is in the wild. Boycott roadside zoos!”
