An incident at Khao Kheow Open Zoo saw a Thai national intrude into the restricted enclosure of a pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng on March 17. The individual reportedly took advantage of the staff's evening animal care duties to gain unauthorized access to the area. Zoo security detained the intruder and handed the person to authorities, prompting an ongoing investigation to uncover the motive and gather evidence for legal action.

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The zoo emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards and safeguarding wildlife. Fortunately, Moo Deng and its family were unharmed, though they might have experienced mild distress from the intrusion. Veterinary staff continue to monitor their behavior closely to ensure their well-being and to mitigate any potential stress from the event.

The incident prompted the zoo to thank the public and fans who reported the event, highlighting their support for animal welfare. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has reiterated the necessity for visitors to follow safety rules and instructions diligently to ensure the safety of both guests and animals. The zoo warned that risky behavior will be met with strict legal action without exception.

As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement aims to ascertain the full circumstances around the breach. The zoo hopes this incident will underscore the significance of visitors adhering to established guidelines to prevent future occurrences, reported The Thaiger.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 18 Mar 2026

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One can only guess at his intentions - Probably the usual story, felt a bit horny, hippo looked sexy after a few Lao Kao's and a fistful of YaBa.

It should be easy enough to trace who this idiot is when he posts this on social media.

7 minutes ago, suspectdevice said:

It should be easy enough to trace who this idiot is when he posts this on social media.

Did you not see this -

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Zoo security detained the intruder and handed the person to authorities,

8 minutes ago, topt said:

Did you not see this -

In my defence it's 3:15 in the morning and i blame the tiredness!😫😫

What an idiot. The insane desire to film anything and everything to post on social media and people's presumption that thier need to take pictures or videos supersedes the safety or rights of anyone or anything else has gotten out of hand. When did this become normal? I don't know how many times I have seen this level of disregard every day here in Thailand.

Shame there wasn't a full-size hippo in that enclosure too. There might have been nice photos of a flattened Thai.

Just remember what hippos do when threatened!

Now that would be CCTV worth seeing!

This incident serves to illustrate there really are some dumb people out there!

Perhaps he might try visiting the tiger cage next. That should make for a fun video.

10 minutes ago, Dexxter said:

Perhaps he might try visiting the tiger cage next. That should make for a fun video.

I think hippos can be quite ferocious too ... but not sure.

Surprised they were so timid here. Wonder if they are sedated.

i don't have anything to say on this issue. I posted because I don't want to feel left out.....

21 hours ago, Vlada Floric said:

One can only guess at his intentions - Probably the usual story, felt a bit horny, hippo looked sexy after a few Lao Kao's and a fistful of YaBa.

Yes, more attractive than many you see in a Pattaya beer bar!!!