Moo Deng , Khao Kheow Open Zoo 's viral star, has seen her newfound popularity take a troubling turn. The adorable baby pygmy hippo, who has won hearts worldwide with her playful antics and charming appearance, is now dealing with invasive and harmful behaviour from some visitors.
At just two months old, Moo Deng has captivated audiences around the globe and become a symbol of cuteness and wildlife conservation . However, her fame has attracted some unwelcome attention. Disturbing reports have emerged of visitors throwing items such as bananas, shellfish, and even water at Moo Deng in an attempt to catch her eye. These incidents, including a video of Moo Deng being startled by water while resting, have raised significant concerns about her welfare.
Her caretakers are growing increasingly worried for her safety, as some fans have engaged in such disruptive actions. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, has warned that legal action could be taken against those involved in this behaviour, according to NBC News. In response, officials have decided to restrict visits to Moo Deng to weekends only, with each viewing session limited to just five minutes to minimise disruption.
Chodchoi told local media, “These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous,” stressing the importance of maintaining Moo Deng’s safety and comfort, NBC reported. The zoo has also stepped up security measures, including the installation of cameras to monitor visitor conduct.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame began shortly after her birth on July 10, when the zoo introduced her to the public. Her popularity soared rapidly, leading to a surge of social media content and even inspiring local businesses to create products in her likeness. Despite the widespread support from fans, the zoo’s new restrictions are aimed at safeguarding Moo Deng from further disturbances.
As Moo Deng continues to enchant her global audience, the zoo remains committed to her safety and well-being. The hope is that her story will not only highlight the plight of her endangered species but also encourage more efforts towards wildlife conservation.
At just two months old, Moo Deng has captivated audiences around the globe and become a symbol of cuteness and wildlife conservation . However, her fame has attracted some unwelcome attention. Disturbing reports have emerged of visitors throwing items such as bananas, shellfish, and even water at Moo Deng in an attempt to catch her eye. These incidents, including a video of Moo Deng being startled by water while resting, have raised significant concerns about her welfare.
มีคนก็เอาเปลือกหอยหรือหินเขวี้ยงใส่ อีกคนก็เอาน้ำสาดใส่ เพราะแค่อยากให้น้อฃงขยับตัวให้ตัวเองได้ดู
— iiMii (@iioimioii) September 10, 2024
คือมึงต้องโตกันมาแบบไหนวะ มารยาทไม่มีติดตัวกันมาเลยเหรอ อะไรควรทำไม่ควรทำคือคิดบ้างสิ สงสารหมูเด้งเลย ไม่รู้ว่าน้องโดนรังแกไปกี่ครั้งแล้ว #หมูเด้ง #ฮิปโปแคระ #สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว pic.twitter.com/OK1fOOPlu5
Her caretakers are growing increasingly worried for her safety, as some fans have engaged in such disruptive actions. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, has warned that legal action could be taken against those involved in this behaviour, according to NBC News. In response, officials have decided to restrict visits to Moo Deng to weekends only, with each viewing session limited to just five minutes to minimise disruption.
Moo Deng has become a celebrity animal so fast.
— TrueTreyevers (@Treyevers) September 16, 2024
This does have its drawbacks though.
They had to cut the amount of time you can see her, because people kept throwing things, not just in the enclosure, but directly at the hippos.
People are genuinely cruel. https://t.co/J1DDB5HDtr
Chodchoi told local media, “These behaviours are not only cruel but also dangerous,” stressing the importance of maintaining Moo Deng’s safety and comfort, NBC reported. The zoo has also stepped up security measures, including the installation of cameras to monitor visitor conduct.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame began shortly after her birth on July 10, when the zoo introduced her to the public. Her popularity soared rapidly, leading to a surge of social media content and even inspiring local businesses to create products in her likeness. Despite the widespread support from fans, the zoo’s new restrictions are aimed at safeguarding Moo Deng from further disturbances.
As Moo Deng continues to enchant her global audience, the zoo remains committed to her safety and well-being. The hope is that her story will not only highlight the plight of her endangered species but also encourage more efforts towards wildlife conservation.
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