If you’re an animal lover or just looking for a fun day out, visiting the zoo has never been more exciting with all the cute, viral animals drawing attention on social media. The star of the show? None other than Moo Deng, the adorable baby hippo that’s taking Thailand by storm. But don’t just stop at hippos, there’s so much more to see. You can get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, and flamingos, making it perfect for families. Explore and meet other friends of Moo Deng at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo!
The zoo offers free entry to children under three, individuals with disabilities, monks, war veterans, and people over 60.
Moo Deng and family
If you’ve been on TikTok or Facebook lately, you might’ve come across the hashtag #MooDeng. This cutie is a baby hippo, famous for its squishy face and playful antics. People can’t get enough of its tiny snorts and wagging tail, and you can now meet Moo Deng at the zoo! Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this little guy will definitely steal yours.
But don’t forget about her equally charming family: Mae Mali, Moo Deng’s mom, has outlived the average lifespan of most hippos, making her a bit of a legend at the zoo. And then there’s Moo Krob, Moo Deng’s sister, who has become a viral star in her own right. Known for swimming alongside fish in the zoo’s aquarium, fans jokingly wonder if she’s morphing into a mermaid. Her graceful swimming has made her a crowd favourite, turning her into a rising star.
The viral sensations don’t stop with the hippo family. Khao Kheow Open Zoo is packed with quirky animal celebrities that are famous on social media:
Kangaroo boxing duo
These kangaroos were caught on camera having a playful sparring match, but the internet couldn’t stop laughing when they paused mid-fight to scratch themselves. You can catch these cheeky marsupials in action, and who knows? You might just witness their next viral moment.
Have you ever seen a koala acting like a polar bear? Well, this one loves sitting by a fan, looking like it’s chilling in the North Pole. It’s a hilarious sight because, while koalas can handle heat, this one seems to prefer the cooler life.
Once the stars of the zoo, these cute, gentle creatures have somewhat faded into the background since Moo Deng took over the limelight. Some of the capybaras have even become a bit introverted as they’ve lost their celebrity status to the hippo family, but they’re still fun to watch lounging around in their peaceful enclosure.
Don’t miss this two-toed sloth and don’t be fooled by his name, Grandpa Flash is slow, even by sloth standards, and that’s exactly why people love him! Visitors often root for him to reach his food in time, and he’s become a beloved figure at the zoo.
Known for their mischievous and often misunderstood personalities, the hyenas at Khao Kheow are a source of amusement. Their offended expressions are often interpreted as hilarious, making them surprisingly endearing to visitors.
Just as active and adorable as Moo Deng, Rodtang is known for her playful energy, often seen running around her enclosure and winning over visitors with her cuteness.
Beyond the viral sensations, don’t miss the charming red pandas, always playful meerkats, or the majestic flamingos, zebras, and giraffes. These animals round out the zoo’s offerings, making it a great family destination.
Penguin parade
The zoo also boasts Thailand’s first-ever penguin parade, where these adorable birds waddle around like they own the place. It’s a fan favourite, and kids especially love seeing the penguins strut their stuff during the daily shows.
You can catch these cuties daily at 10am and 2pm, with an extra 3.30pm show on weekends and public holidays.
Elephant swimming show
If you’ve never seen elephants swimming gracefully, this zoo offers a special show where you can watch these gentle giants enjoy a dip in the water. It’s both majestic and calming, providing a unique experience you won’t find at most zoos.
Shows happen at 11am and 2.30pm, plus an extra round at 12.30pm on weekends and holidays. Perfect for a family day out!
Red Pandas
Known for their playful energy and cute, photogenic looks, these adorable creatures are always up for some fun.
Meerkats
Ever alert and always curious, the meerkats are another fan-favorite, with their expressive faces and quick movements keeping visitors entertained.
Flamingos, zebras, and giraffes
Flamingos, zebras, and giraffes bring a whole other level of magic to your zoo experience. The flamingos add a vibrant pop of pink, gracefully striking poses by the water, perfect for photo ops. Zebras, with their iconic stripes, wander the open plains, adding a touch of safari to your visit. But the towering giraffes? They steal the show as they lean in for a snack, giving you that unforgettable, up-close interaction.
Tips for the best zoo experience
Arrive early: To catch the animals at their most active, especially Moo Deng and the kangaroos, aim to arrive around opening time.
Check social media: Keep an eye on the zoo’s social media for updates on when you can catch special feeding sessions or animal shows featuring Moo Deng and other favourites. Check out their Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.
Bring snacks: While there are food stalls at the zoo, packing some snacks for yourself can save time and keep you fuelled as you explore the zoo’s wide grounds.
From viral sensations like Moo Deng to the hilarious kangaroo duo, the zoo is full of fun and furry friends waiting for you. It’s the perfect day out for families, couples, or anyone who just needs a dose of cuteness and joy. Get ready for a wildly entertaining experience and some adorable memories to take home!
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English from Srinakharinwirot University, Mos is a dynamic content creator exploring exciting new areas of social media, pop culture, and lifestyle. His internship in creative content sparked his passion for this career path.