New Rules Limiting Visitors Set After Viral Baby Hippo Moo Deng Gets Mistreated
Leave Moo Deng alone.
Moo Deng, the viral baby pygmy hippo, has been mistreated and harassed by zoo visitors since gaining attention on social media
Moo Deng, who went viral for her adorable demeanor and quirky facial expressions, has attracted plenty of visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand. According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy, the number of zoo visitors have increased by at least 30%.
However, with fame and popularity comes unwanted attention. Various videos have circulated on TikTok, showing visitors throwing objects such as shells on a sleeping Moo Deng. There was even a video of someone splashing water on the hippo, startling her awake.
Image via @___wc (TikTok)/@iioimioii (X)
A tweet condemning these callous acts has gone viral on X, formerly Twitter.
"Someone threw shells or rocks at [Moo Deng]. Another person splashed water on her because they wanted her to move. How were you raised? Don't you have any manners? Don't you know what you should and shouldn't do? Think first before acting. I feel sorry for Moo Deng. I don't know how many times the little one has been bullied," X user @iioimioii lamented.
In an effort to protect Moo Deng, the zoo has decided to limit the duration visitors can spend visiting the baby hippo
Image via @kkopzoo (X)
Zoo visitors are permitted to see Moo Deng for five minutes during weekends only. The Thai zoo announced this policy on its X account and apologised for the inconvenience.
The zoo has also installed CCTV nearby Moo Deng's enclosure to ensure her safety. Chodchoy urged tourists to be respectful when visiting the animals and vowed to take legal action against visitors who disturb the baby hippo.
Moo Deng has gone viral for her natural, irresistible cuteness:
Here's what to do if you see a distressed or injured animal in Malaysia:
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