PETA warns tourists to stay away from Thailand’s Moo Deng (video)

Pygmy hippo Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, has sent visitor numbers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo skyrocketing. However, this surge in popularity has prompted concern from animal welfare groups like Born Free and PETA, who fear for her well-being amidst her newfound stardom.

Zoo officials have resorted to installing CCTV and imposing visitor limits to protect the famous hippo, even pleading with guests to refrain from throwing objects or making loud noises to provoke her.

These organisations warn that pygmy hippos, endangered in the wild, are naturally reclusive and nocturnal, spending their days hidden in rivers and only venturing out at night to forage. PETA criticised the zoo.

“Khao Kheow Open Zoo claims to breed animals in captivity for ‘conservation,’ but let’s be honest: These businesses breed animals far away from their natural homes and keep them prisoner for profit.”

The controversy extends beyond Thailand, with similar cases such as Pesto, a king penguin at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in Australia, who shot to fame after singer Katy Perry’s visit.

Born Free highlights concerns about Pesto’s small, inadequate enclosure, a far cry from his vast Antarctic habitat.

Chris Lewis, Born Free’s Captivity Research and Policy Manager, criticised Moo Deng’s role in boosting zoo revenues.

“It is distressing that Moo Deng continues to be used as a tool for boosting the profile and revenue of the zoo where she is held captive. The popularity of ‘celebrity’ animals both online and in person is deeply concerning to Born Free, not least because of the detrimental impact on the welfare of these wild animals.”

Despite the fanfare, conservationists report that Moo Deng’s celebrity has done little to financially support wild pygmy hippos. Born Free urges people to refrain from visiting or sharing posts about captive animals like Moo Deng, advocating instead for learning about and supporting habitat conservation, reported The Daily Mirror.

The plight of the pygmy hippo is dire, with only 2,000-2,500 remaining in the wild due to hunting and habitat loss. PETA argues that breeding programmes “do absolutely nothing” for species preservation, proposing instead that Moo Deng be relocated to a reputable sanctuary.

Jennifer White, PETA’s Senior Media and Communications Manager, emphasised the point.

“There’s nothing cute about a baby being born in captivity. For animals like Moo Deng, who would naturally shun human contact and spend much of their time in water, life in a concrete cage is no life at all.”

In response, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi maintains that the zoo prioritises the welfare and quality of life for its 2,000 animal residents.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo has been approached for comment on the ongoing controversy.