BANGKOK (AP) — A person has been arrested after he was caught climbing into an enclosure of Moo Deng, the lovable pygmy hippo who grew to become a social media sensation, zoo officers mentioned.
The Thai man allegedly entered the enclosure on Tuesday night whereas a keeper was away and no different guests have been round, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Director Narongwit Chodchoy informed The Related Press.
Safety footage extensively shared on-line exhibits a person sporting a black beanie, sun shades, a inexperienced tank high, and brown shorts approaching Moo Deng and her mom Jona whereas holding a pill, apparently recording or taking images.
The person remained contained in the enclosure for a minute or two earlier than workers seen him, Narongwit mentioned, including that he didn’t try to flee whereas the zoo known as for police.
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born in 2024, largely due to a keeper who shared lovable footage and movies of the child hippo on social media. Since then, she has drawn giant crowds from Thailand and overseas who wish to witness her appeal in particular person and shoot images and movies of her cute moments for themselves.
Police have initially charged the person with trespassing, however investigation continues to be ongoing and Narongwit mentioned the zoo intends to pursue all obtainable authorized motion. Police didn’t determine the suspect.
The person has now been launched on bail, Narongwit mentioned. He mentioned Moo Deng and Jona have been protected as the person didn’t attempt to contact them.
In an announcement posted Tuesday on the zoo’s official Fb web page, it mentioned each animals appeared barely startled by the encounter and can be monitored intently by a veterinarian.
The zoo additionally urged guests to “strictly comply with all guidelines and directions from workers for the security of each themselves and the wildlife.”
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which is about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Bangkok, sits on 800 hectares (virtually 2,000 acres) of land and is house to greater than 2,000 animals.