Moo Deng's zoo addresses concerns over viral hippo's living conditions
Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which takes care of viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng, has addressed concerns about its living conditions.
In a statement posted on X, the zoo in Chonburi Province assured fans of Moo Deng that “happiness and well-being” of its animals remain its top priority.
"We reaffirm our commitment to the happiness and health of our animals, and clarify that the enclosure conditions reflect their natural behavior," it wrote in its statement, which was originally written in Thai.
It also addressed the viral images that raised concerns about the cleanliness of its living conditions.
"The images circulating on social media are likely animal feces excreted during the day, which is normal behavior for hippos who typically defecate in water or on land to 'mark their territory.' It is confirmed that the keeper team cleans up and removes the animal feces every morning regularly, in accordance with international animal welfare standards (WAZA)," the zoo said, adding that a muddy environment is crucial for the hippos' skin.
สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว ขอบคุณทุกความห่วงใยที่มีให้ "น้องหมูเด้ง" ยันดูแลตามมาตรฐานสากล พร้อมกางแผน "ฮิปโปวิลเลจ" 10 ไร่
— สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว Khao Kheow Open Zoo (@KhaokheowZoo) February 16, 2026
สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว ขอขอบพระคุณทุกความห่วงใยและข้อเสนอแนะจากแฟนคลับทั่วโลก ยืนยันยึดถือ "ความสุขและสุขภาพ" ของสัตว์เป็นที่ตั้ง… pic.twitter.com/sWSd4q4cnU
"The zoo emphasizes that pygmy hippos require high levels of moisture,” it explained. “Providing an environment with soil, mud, and aquatic plants is a biologically sound design to allow the animals to exhibit instinctive behaviors and maintain healthy skin, and is not the result of neglect."
As part of its commitment, the zoo shared that a four-acre “Hippo Village” habitat expansion is in the works, which will provide a more spacious and ecologically suitable home for six pygmy hippos and seven common hippos. It also assured that it will take cautious steps during the project so that the construction will not cause distress to Moo Deng and other hippos.
The Thai zoo thanked the fans for expressing concern, and reiterated its "commitment to developing beautiful and modern animal exhibits while maintaining the best possible animal welfare."
It also encouraged visitors to share suggestions via phone or Facebook.
This came after Thai conservationist Siranudh Scott posted a photo of Moo Deng in her enclosure, showing her "sad" condition, with the caption, "Let the image speak for itself."
He later clarified that he's not criticizing Moo Deng's caretaker. Still, he stressed that animals should have "a quality of life, space, a safe environment, and animal companions that are commensurate with the value they bring to us.”
Born on July 10, 2024, Moo Deng—whose name means “bouncy pig”—has captured the hearts of the public both online and offline with her meme-worthy antics.
