A man was detained after he climbed into the enclosure of Moo Deng, a well-known pygmy hippo, zoo officials said. The incident took place Tuesday evening at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, director Narongwit Chodchoy said, while a keeper was absent and no other guests were present.
Security footage 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 as if taking photos or recording. He remained inside the enclosure for a minute or two before staff spotted him; he did not attempt to run away while zoo personnel called police.
Moo Deng became popular after her 2024 birth, when a keeper posted images and videos that drew large numbers of visitors from Thailand and abroad eager to see and film her. Police initially charged the man with trespassing and said the investigation is ongoing; the zoo has said it will pursue all available legal action. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, and Narongwit said he has since been released on bail.
Neither hippo was injured—the man did not try to touch them—but both appeared mildly startled. The zoo said a veterinarian will keep them under close observation and reiterated that visitor safety rules and staff instructions must be followed at all times.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo, about 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, spans roughly 800 hectares and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
