Viral baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng is drawing crowds to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand.
Moo Deng, whose name means “bouncing pig” in Thai, has millions of fans on social media. She was born on 10 June to parents Jona and Tony at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
“Normally on weekdays and in the rainy season – which is a low season – we’d be getting around 800 visitors each day,” said Narungwit Chodchoy, director of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo (via the Independent).
Now, the zoo is attracting between 3,000 and 4,000 people on weekdays, and welcomed 20,000 visitors over the weekend, Narungwit said.
“Moo Deng fever means we will have to organise better so all visitors can see her,” he added.
Narungwit has also released a statement asking visitors not to throw objects at Moo Deng or make loud noises. Visitors have thrown bananas, shellfish and water at the pygmy hippo to try and get her attention.
Narungwit said the zoo would take legal action against visitors who throw items at Moo Deng. He said the zoo has installed surveillance cameras in her area, and an officer is watching over her.
“Moo Deng fever”
Opened in 1978, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is home to around 3,000 animals. Highlights in the zoo include an Eld’s deer park and an aviary.
In the zoo’s 1,400-acre research area, which is closed to visitors, wild animals live in their natural environment, including the near threatened painted stork.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the global alliance of regional associations, national federations and institutions.
Images courtesy of Khao Kheow Open Zoo
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