WILD MOVE

Intruder Busted After Climbing Into Viral Hippo’s Enclosure

A man has been arrested after climbing into the enclosure of viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng.

A man has been arrested after climbing into the enclosure of viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng. The incident happened Tuesday evening at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo when a keeper briefly stepped way, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said. Security footage circulating online shows the man—wearing a beanie, sunglasses, and a tank top—approaching Moo Deng and her mother while holding a tablet, apparently filming. He stayed inside for about a minute before staff intervened and called police. The suspect, who did not attempt to flee, has been charged with trespassing and released on bail. Officials said the animals were unharmed, though slightly startled, and will be monitored. Narongwit said the zoo plans to take the strongest possible legal measures against the man, who has not been publicly identified by police. Moo Deng rose to global fame after viral social media posts in 2024, drawing large crowds eager to see the young hippo in person.