Chonburi: Khao Kheow Open Zoo thanks everyone for their concern for "Nong Moo Deng" (the piglet) and assures that it is being cared for according to international standards. Khao Kheow Open Zoo expresses its gratitude for all the concern and suggestions from fans worldwide. It reaffirms its commitment to the happiness and health of the animals, clarifies that the enclosure conditions reflect natural behavior, and announces plans to move forward with the "Hippo Village" project to elevate animal welfare towards sustainability.
According to Thai News Agency, following online discussions regarding the cleanliness and living conditions of "Nong Moo Deng," the pygmy hippopotamus, Khao Kheow Open Zoo has issued a clarification to ensure a common understanding. The images circulating on social media are likely animal feces excreted during the day, which is normal behavior for hippos who typically defecate in water or on land to "mark their territory." It is confirmed that the keeper team cleans up and removes the animal feces every morning regularly, in accordance with international animal welfare standards (WAZA).
The zoo emphasizes that pygmy hippos require high levels of moisture. Providing an environment with soil, mud, and aquatic plants is a biologically sound design to allow the animals to exhibit instinctive behaviors and maintain healthy skin, and is not the result of neglect.
For long-term area development plans, the zoo has prepared a new enclosure development project, the design of which has been approved by the Zoo Board. The expansion will cover 10 rai (approximately 4 acres) to accommodate 7 pygmy hippos and 6 great hippos, providing them with spacious and ecologically suitable living conditions.
Future construction projects will prioritize utmost caution to prevent noise and construction activities from affecting "Nong Moo Deng" and "Mae Jo Na," which could cause them distress. Careful planning will be implemented in a step-by-step manner.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo confirms its commitment to developing beautiful and modern animal exhibits while maintaining the best possible animal welfare. The zoo welcomes all suggestions through its Facebook page, "Khao Kheow Open Zoo," or by calling 038-318444.