Conservationist Questions Welfare Of Viral Hippo Moo Deng, Zoo Responds

CHON BURI — A social media post by conservationist Psi Scott has sparked heated debate online after he questioned the living conditions of Moo Deng, a popular pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Psi Scott, whose Thai name is Siranat Scott, posted on X after seeing recent images of Moo Deng’s enclosure and pool. In his post, he wrote that he felt saddened by what he saw, saying the animal had generated significant income but appeared to have a living environment that did not reflect her value.

“Recently I saw photos of Moodeng’s current enclosure and pool. It’s truly sad. Despite generating so much income, in the end she is just a business in the eyes of people around her,” he wrote.

The post quickly drew millions of views and triggered widespread discussion online, with users debating animal welfare standards versus commercial interests.

As criticism mounted, Psi Scott clarified that he was not attacking the hippo’s caretakers or the zoo itself, but was raising concerns about international welfare standards for animals of global prominence.

“I don’t want anyone to misunderstand. I’m not criticising the keepers. I’m trying to say that animals that bring recognition to the country should have living conditions and space that reflect the value they create for us,” he said, adding that the rights of animals in captivity are as important as those in the wild.

In response, the Facebook page “Kha Moo and the Gang”, which represents Moo Deng’s caretakers, urged the public not to escalate the issue. The page stated that the zoo had already planned a “Hippo Village” project before Moo Deng became famous, and that improvements were part of an existing development plan.

“It has always been in the system. Even without Moo Deng, we would be developing the area. Of course, we also want Moo Deng to have a new home as soon as possible,” the statement said.

Narongwit Chotchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, said images circulating online likely showed hippo waste that had not yet been cleaned, noting that it is natural for hippos to defecate in water to mark territory. He said keepers clean the enclosure every morning and that animal welfare standards are strictly followed.

Narongwit added that the Hippo Village project has already been designed and approved by the zoo committee, but is awaiting budget approval of 75 million baht in fiscal year 2027. The project would cover 10 rai and accommodate the zoo’s six pygmy hippos and seven common hippos.

The debate has continued online, reflecting broader questions about animal welfare and expectations for high-profile zoo animals.

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