Man Fined 28,000 Rupees for Entering Protected Area of Thai Hippopotamus Enclosure

Thai Court Fines Man for Entering Enclosure of Viral Pygmy Hippopotamus

A Thai court has imposed a fine of 10,000 baht (approximately Rs 28,000) on a man who illegally entered the enclosure of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus that has gained international attention for her playful behaviour on social media. The court's decision marks the culmination of a case that was pursued by the authorities after the man trespassed into the enclosure of the endangered pygmy hippo, prompting concerns about animal safety.

Moo Deng, whose name translates to "bouncy pork" in Thai, has become a viral sensation since her playful behaviour was captured on social media in 2024. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng resides with her mother, has seen a significant increase in visitors, with tens of thousands of people flocking to see the young pygmy hippo. The zoo's ticket sales have also been boosted as a result of Moo Deng's online fame.

The incident, which occurred last month, was widely reported in local media. Footage showed the man entering the enclosure and recording the calf at close range using a tablet device. Zoo authorities had expressed concern about the safety of the animals and had stated that they would take legal action against the individual. Following the incident, the zoo increased patrols around animal enclosures to discourage similar intrusions.

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Patrols Increased to Prevent Future Incidents

In an interview with AFP, Narongwit Chodchoy, the director of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, stated that the court's decision showed that no one can violate animals' rights, regardless of whether they are in an enclosure or in the wild. Since the incident in March, the zoo has reported no further security breaches. Narongwit attributed this to the increased patrols around animal enclosures and the training of staff on how to respond to intruders.

Moo Deng's Continued Online Fame

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Moo Deng marked her first birthday in July and has continued to fuel online memes, merchandise, and international attention since first going viral in 2024. The young pygmy hippo has become a beloved figure, and her online fame has brought significant attention to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The zoo's efforts to protect the animals and prevent future incidents have been acknowledged, and the court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of animal safety and welfare.