Khao Kheow Open Zoo has fired back at accusations that it is exploiting its beloved pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, for profit. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, insists that animal welfare remains a top priority, dismissing claims from animal rights groups as baseless.
“The zoo has four key missions—conservation, research, education, and recreation,” Narongwit stated. “We don’t just focus on Moo Deng; we evaluate the well-being of all our animals annually to ensure they receive the best care possible.”
The controversy erupted after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Born Free accused the zoo of turning Moo Deng into an “unwilling social media star” in a bid to boost revenue. The groups have urged British tourists to boycott zoos housing famous animals, arguing that their popularity contributes to their prolonged captivity.
Moo Deng’s rise to fame began in 2024 when a zookeeper’s video of her went viral on Instagram, catapulting the adorable hippo into online stardom. However, PETA argues that her newfound fame comes at a cost.
“It’s heartbreaking to see Moo Deng used as a marketing tool,” PETA stated. “The reality behind the viral videos is far from cute. She belongs in the wild, not in a zoo where she is paraded as an attraction.”
This isn’t the first time PETA has raised concerns. In September 2024, the organization called for Moo Deng’s release, alleging that Khao Kheow Open Zoo was profiting off her popularity. A fiery post on PETA’s Facebook page read: “TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the truth isn’t cute. The zoo in Thailand is exploiting her for profit. A hippo’s home is in the wild. Boycott roadside zoos!”
Despite the backlash, Khao Kheow Open Zoo remains firm, insisting that its breeding programs support conservation efforts and that Moo Deng receives the highest standard of care. Whether the world sees her as an adorable icon or an unwilling prisoner, one thing is clear—Moo Deng’s story has captured global attention, and the debate over her fate is far from over.
