Hippo 'Moo Deng' Enclosure Condition is Natural Behavior, Zoo Confirms

Thairath•Society•9h ago

Reader Briefing

Khao Kheow Open Zoo clarifies the natural behavior of its pygmy hippo, 'Moo Deng,' addressing public concern over its enclosure and green pool water.

•Khao Kheow Open Zoo explains that the condition of 'Moo Deng' the hippo's enclosure, including mud and green water, is a natural behavior and part of its habitat design.
•The zoo assures the public that animal welfare and health are top priorities, adhering to international standards.
•A long-term 'Hippo Village' project is planned to provide larger, suitable habitats for pygmy hippos and adult hippos.
•Feeder Benz Attapon confirms his role in monitoring 'Moo Deng' and other animals, emphasizing that all animals receive consistent care and no profit is sought from them.

Overview

•Khao Kheow Open Zoo stated that the enclosure conditions for 'Moo Deng' the pygmy hippo are a natural behavior, in order to address public concern.
•On February 17, 2026, Mr. Narongwit Chotchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, provided clarification on the 'Moo Deng' controversy.
•The green water in the hippo pool is due to the hippos playing in it and sunlight, as the water is regularly changed and is clear in the morning.
•Benz Attapon, the feeder for 'Moo Deng,' stated that his role is to care for the animals and that no profit is derived from the hippos.
•Khao Kheow Open Zoo is preparing to upgrade animal welfare with the 'Hippo Village' project.
•The 'Hippo Village' project is planned to accommodate 6 pygmy hippos and 7 adult hippos with spacious living areas.
•The zoo's environment design incorporates moist conditions, soil, mud, and aquatic plants, which are biologically designed for pygmy hippos to exhibit natural behaviors and maintain skin health.
•Official confirmation was given that all animals at the zoo receive good care from staff, not just those attracting public attention.

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Key Quotes

Benz Attapon

"Regarding the green water in the hippo pool, normally we change the water regularly in the morning. But once the hippos play in the water and there is sunlight in the afternoon, it turns green. It will be clear again the next morning."

สำหรับน้ำในบ่อฮิปโปที่เป็นสีเขียวนั้นโดยปกติแล้ว ในช่วงเช้าเราจะมีการเปลี่ยนน้ำเป็นประจำ แต่พอฮิปโปลงเล่นน้ำ และในช่วงบ่ายๆ มีแสงแดด จึงทำให้เป็นน้ำสีเขียวแต่เช้าอีกวันหนึ่งมาก็เป็นน้ำที่ใสปกติ

Benz Attapon

"We have a duty to care for the animals and perform our assigned tasks. Every animal I care for, or other staff care for, receives the same good treatment."

เรามีหน้าที่ดูแลสัตว์แล้วก็ทำตามหน้าที่ของเราที่ได้รับมอบหมาย สัตว์ทุกตัวที่ตนเองได้ดูแลหรือพนักงานคนอื่นก็ดูแลสัตว์ตัวอื่นดีเช่นเดียวกัน

Key Entities

Person

Feeder 'Moo Deng'(พี่เลี้ยง "หมูเด้ง")

Feeder and caretaker of 'Moo Deng' the pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Moo Deng(หมูเด้ง)

A pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo that is the subject of public concern regarding its enclosure.

Mr. Narongwit Chotchoi(นายณรงวิทย์ ชดช้อย)

Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who provided official statements regarding 'Moo Deng's' enclosure.

Benz Attapon(เบนซ์ อรรถพล)

Feeder (Suklipper) at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, responsible for the care and behavior monitoring of animals including 'Moo Deng'.

Organization

Khao Kheow Open Zoo(สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว)ℹ️

The zoo where the pygmy hippo 'Moo Deng' resides and which is addressing public concerns about animal welfare.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)ℹ️

An organization whose cleaning standards are followed by Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Project

Hippo Village(ฮิปโปวิลเลจ)

A long-term development project at Khao Kheow Open Zoo aimed at enhancing habitats for pygmy and adult hippos.