The Price of Fame: Animal Welfare Groups vs. Zoo Stars - video

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Picture of Moo Deng courtesy of CNN

 

Animal rights group PETA is calling on British tourists to steer clear of Thailand's famous zoo animals, including the popular pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Moo Deng, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai, has attracted huge crowds, raising concerns about her welfare from animal welfare groups like Born Free and PETA.

 

As Moo Deng's popularity grows, zoo officials have installed CCTV and restricted visitor numbers to protect the hippo. They've also urged visitors not to throw objects or make loud noises to provoke her.

 

PETA and other groups highlight that pygmy hippos, endangered in the wild with only 2,000-2,500 left, are naturally shy and nocturnal. PETA criticises the zoo's claim of breeding for conservation, labeling it a profitable captivity business instead.

 

This issue isn't isolated to Thailand. At Australia's Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, a king penguin named Pesto gained fame after being visited by singer Katy Perry. Born Free criticizes Pesto’s cramped conditions, contrasting it with his natural Antarctic habitat.

 

 

Chris Lewis from Born Free attributes the zoo's revenue boost to Moo Deng's stardom, worrying about the negative impact on her welfare. Born Free and PETA encourage avoiding visits and online sharing about captive animals, advocating for habitat conservation support instead.

 

Jennifer White from PETA stresses that captivity doesn't support species preservation. She suggests relocating Moo Deng to a sanctuary, claiming life in a concrete cage is unnatural and distressing for her.

 

Despite criticism, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi stands by the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has been asked to comment on the situation but hasn’t yet responded, reported The Thaiger.

 

 

-- 2025-02-24