BANGKOK (AP) — A man was arrested after he was caught climbing into the enclosure of Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo who became a social media sensation, zoo officials said.
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday evening while a keeper was away and no other visitors were present, Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Director Narongwit Chodchoy told The Associated Press.
Security footage, widely shared online, shows a man wearing a black beanie, sunglasses, a green tank top, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona while holding a tablet, apparently recording or taking photos.
The man stayed inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff noticed him, Narongwit said. He did not attempt to flee while the zoo contacted police.
Moo Deng rose to fame shortly after her birth in 2024, largely due to a keeper sharing adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. Since then, she has attracted large crowds from Thailand and abroad who come to see her charm in person and capture photos and videos of her cute moments.
Police initially charged the man with trespassing, but the investigation is ongoing. Narongwit said the zoo intends to pursue all available legal actions. Police have not identified the suspect.
The man has since been released on bail, Narongwit added. He confirmed that Moo Deng and Jona were safe, as the man did not attempt to touch them.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the zoo’s official Facebook page, the zoo said both animals appeared slightly startled by the encounter and will be closely monitored by a veterinarian.
The zoo also urged visitors to “strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife.”
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bangkok, covers 800 hectares (almost 2,000 acres) and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
