Last week, a man was arrested after climbing into viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng’s enclosure at a zoo in Thailand.
As PEOPLE reports, on Tuesday, March 17, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province confirmed in a translated statement that at around 5:00 p.m. local time, a Thai national had trespassed into the beloved animal’s enclosure. The zoo said that the individual was found to have taken “advantage of the time when officials were performing their evening duties” before sneaking into the restricted area, per the post.
In security footage obtained by the Bangkok Post, the man could be seen appearing to film or take photos of the pygmy hippos on what appeared to be a tablet, before climbing back out of the enclosure. Moo Deng had been in the enclosure with her mom Jona at the time of the incident, the Associated Press (AP) reported. According to the statement, authorities are reportedly investigating the man’s motive.
The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoy, told the AP that the man, who was initially charged with trespassing, had since been released on bail. Narongwit said that the man in question did not try and touch Moo Deng and her mother Jona, and that both the animals were safe, per the news agency.
The zoo’s statement shared on Facebook also confirmed that Moo Deng and her family “were unharmed.” Autthapol “Benz” Nundee, Moo Deng’s keeper, said of the incident, “Fortunately, he did not get bitten,” the Bangkok Post reported, citing a Facebook post.
Moo Deng skyrocketed to fame in September 2024 after videos of her at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo spread on social media. She often receives visits from both national and international members of the public, per the AP.
The zoo confirmed in Tuesday’s translated post that, “The veterinary team will closely monitor [the animals] behavior,” following the trespassing incident. They added, “The zoo would like to express its gratitude to all members of the public and fans who have continuously reported incidents and shown concern. Your cooperation is a vital source of encouragement for our staff to diligently care for the welfare of the wild animals.”
The zoo then reminded visitors to “strictly follow all rules and instructions from staff for the safety of both themselves and the wildlife,” adding, “If any risky behavior is observed, the zoo will take legal action without exception.”
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Photo Credit: Sanit Fuangnakhon / Shutterstock.com
