Zoo Responds to 'Moo Deng' Hippo Controversy

Khaosod•Society•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The zoo has responded to social media criticism regarding the living conditions of a hippopotamus named 'Moo Deng', clarifying that the situation is normal and part of ongoing development plans.

•The zoo addressed public concern over the living conditions of the hippopotamus 'Moo Deng', sparked by a social media post.
•Officials stated that hippos naturally defecate in water, and their enclosure is cleaned daily according to international standards.
•A new Hippo Village project is planned and has been designed, awaiting budget approval of 75 million THB for completion in fiscal year 2027.

Overview

•The zoo responded to social media criticism regarding the hippopotamus 'Moo Deng'.
•The zoo stated that 'hippos naturally defecate in water' as a territorial behavior.
•The zoo confirmed that animal waste is collected every morning, adhering to international standards.
•Criticism arose from a social media post highlighting the current enclosure conditions of 'Moo Deng'.
•The current enclosure situation is temporary, as the zoo has a planned 'Hippo Village' project.
•The Hippo Village project requires a budget of 75 million THB for its 10-rai area.
•The Hippo Village project design is complete and has been approved by the zoo committee, but awaits budget approval.
•The project is awaiting budget approval for fiscal year 2027, with an estimated completion in that year if funded.

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Key Quotes

Nawongwit Chodchoy

"Confirm that keepers and Moo Deng's caretakers clean and collect animal waste every morning, adhering to international animal welfare standards for all animals."

ยืนยันว่าคีปเปอร์และพี่เลี้ยงหมูเด้งมีการทำความสะอาดเก็บกวาดมูลสัตว์ทุกเช้า และการดูแลสัตว์ทุกตัว ยึดหลักสวัสดิภาพสัตว์ตามหลักสากล

Admin, Kha Mu & The Gang

"Everyone, please don't create drama. He likely has good intentions wanting Moo Deng to be in a better place."

ทุกคนไม่ดราม่ากันนะ พี่เขาคงมีเจตนาที่ดีอยากให้หมูเด้งได้อยู่ที่ดี ๆ

Key Entities

Organization

Zoo(สวนสัตว์)

The organization responding to public criticism regarding animal welfare and enclosure conditions.

Singha Corporation(สิงห์ คอร์เปอเรชั่น)

The corporate entity of which Tann Chot is a fourth-generation heir, mentioned in the context of the criticism.

Kha Mu & The Gang(ขาหมูแอนด์ เดอะแก๊ง)

The social media page administrator who posted a response to the 'Moo Deng' controversy.

Person

Tann Chot(ทราย สก็อต)

The individual who posted social media content criticizing the current living conditions of the hippopotamus 'Moo Deng'.

Moo Deng(หมูเด้ง)

The hippopotamus whose enclosure conditions became a subject of public discussion and criticism.

Nawongwit Chodchoy(นายณรงค์วิทย์ ชดช้อย)

The Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who provided an official statement on the hippopotamus situation.

Place

Khao Kheow Open Zoo(สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว)

The specific zoo where the hippopotamus 'Moo Deng' resides and where the controversy took place.