Animal Rights Group Calls Out Thailand Zoo for Exploiting Baby Pygmy Hippo

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand is facing backlash from the Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the treatment of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo. PETA claims that the zoo is exploiting the young hippo for profit, stating that she should be living in the wild rather than being showcased as an attraction.

On September 23, PETA took to Facebook to voice its concerns. “TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the reality is far from cute,” the post read. The organization emphasizes that the young hippo’s situation is far from ideal.

The post featured a statement from Jason Baker, PETA’s senior vice president for Asia, who remarked, “There is nothing cute about a baby born into imprisonment! Moo Deng should’ve been born in the wild, not bred for human entertainment.” This sentiment reflects PETA’s long-standing advocacy for Animal rights and welfare.

PETA’s post also raised alarm over reports of visitors behaving inappropriately toward Moo Deng. It was noted that some individuals had thrown water and objects at her, posing potential risks to the baby hippo. In response, officials at the zoo in Chon Buri stated that such behavior would not be tolerated, warning that legal measures could be taken if necessary to protect the animal.

Despite the criticism, Moo Deng has gained a significant following online, becoming a viral sensation. Her popularity has resulted in long lines of visitors at the zoo, eager to catch a glimpse of the adorable hippo during short viewing sessions. Reports indicate that in September alone, the zoo’s admission revenue skyrocketed to 19.2 million baht, a significant increase from the previous year. The rise in Moo Deng’s fame has also led to a surge in merchandise sales and a 24-hour livestream dedicated to her.

However, not all reactions to PETA’s criticism have been supportive. Some social media users defended the zoo, arguing that it plays a role in the Conservation of the endangered pygmy hippo.

Please sign this petition to Urge Authorities in Australia to Educate the Public on How to Interact with Wildlife!

Related Content:

• Viral Pygmy Hippo is Getting Abused by Social Media Users
• Pharmaceutical Company Ends Use of Forced Swim Test After Pressure from PETA
• PETA Calls for Investigation into East Idaho Aquarium After Whistleblower Reports
• PETA’s Fight for Primate Protection Gains New Momentum After HBO’s Chimp Crazy
• Former Worker at Pennsylvania Turkey Farms Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty After PETA Investigation

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!