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Khao Kheow Zoo Denies Animal Neglect, Plans New Hippo Zone

Khao Kheow Zoo Denies Animal Neglect, Plans New Hippo Zone

MGR Online•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Khao Kheow Open Zoo rebuts claims of mistreatment regarding their pygmy hippo, 'Moo Deng,' stating its living conditions are natural and consistent with international welfare standards, while also detailing plans for a new, expansive hippo enclosure.

  • •Khao Kheow Open Zoo addressed public concern over the living conditions of its pygmy hippo, "Moo Deng."
  • •Zoo management asserts that the hippo's environment and behaviors are natural and meet international welfare standards, including WAZA.
  • •The zoo is proceeding with plans to develop a 'Hippo Village' on a 10-rai plot to accommodate both small and large hippos.

Overview

  • •Khao Kheow Open Zoo management confirmed that the living conditions of the pygmy hippo "Moo Deng" are natural behaviors and do not indicate neglect.
  • •The zoo administration emphasized that they prioritize the "health and happiness of the animals" and adhere to international animal welfare standards.
  • •Images circulating on social media showing what appeared to be poor conditions were explained as normal animal droppings excreted during the day.
  • •The environment includes soil, mud, and aquatic plants, designed based on biological principles to meet the high moisture needs of pygmy hippos and aid their skin health.
  • •Staff regularly clean the area every morning in accordance with World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) standards.
  • •The zoo is moving forward with the "Hippo Village" project on approximately 10 rai, which has approved construction designs.
  • •The "Hippo Village" project aims to accommodate 6 small hippos and 7 large hippos, providing them with spacious living areas suitable for their ecosystem.
  • •Construction will be planned in stages to minimize disturbances to the animals from noise and activities.

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Key Quotes

Naruewit Chodchoy
"The zoo prioritizes the 'health and happiness of the animals' and adheres to international animal welfare standards as a primary principle."
สวนสัตว์ให้ความสำคัญสูงสุดกับ “สุขภาพและความสุขของสัตว์” และยึดมาตรฐานสวัสดิภาพสัตว์ระดับสากลเป็นหลัก
Naruewit Chodchoy
"The images spread on social media are likely animal droppings excreted during the day, which is a normal behavior for hippos to mark territory in water or on land."
ภาพที่เผยแพร่ในโซเชียลมีเดียน่าจะเป็นมูลสัตว์ที่ขับถ่ายระหว่างวัน ซึ่งเป็นพฤติกรรมปกติของฮิปโปที่มักถ่ายในน้ำหรือบนบกเพื่อแสดงอาณาเขต

Key Entities

Organization

Khao Kheow Open Zoo(สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว)ℹ️
The organization at the center of controversy regarding pygmy hippo care and advancing new enclosure plans.
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)ℹ️
The international organization whose standards Khao Kheow Open Zoo claims to follow in animal welfare and care.

Person

Moo Deng(หมูเด้ง)
The pygmy hippo at the center of a public concern case regarding its living conditions at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Naruewit Chodchoy(นายณรงวิทย์ ชดช้อย)
The Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who provided explanations regarding the pygmy hippo's welfare and future development plans.
Pygmy hippo(ฮิปโปแคระ)ℹ️
The species of hippo involved in the welfare discussion at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.