Thai Man Trespasses into Viral Pygmy Hippo Enclosure

A Thai man unlawfully entered the enclosure of Moo Deng, a viral internet sensation and endangered baby pygmy hippo, at Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Tuesday. The zoo filed a trespassing complaint after footage showed the man wearing casual attire (tank top, shorts, sandals) recording Moo Deng with a tablet. Staff removed him after 10 minutes; the hippo was unharmed but slightly startled. Police confirmed the intruder, visiting with his grandnephew, sought a closer look at the animal. Thai law allows up to one year jail or 20,000 baht ($618) fine for trespassers. Moo Deng, who marked her first birthday in July, has boosted zoo ticket sales through viral social media content and even featured in a Sephora beauty campaign.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/18/trespasser-caught-in-viral-hippo-moo-dengs-thai-zoo-pen/