"Khao Kheow Open Zoo" grandly celebrates the 2nd anniversary "Moo Deng" the global superstar, advancing a major project "Hippo Village" with a 75 million baht budget, transforming the landmark by 2027
On 10 July 2026 GMT+7, reporters covered the event held at the hippopotamus exhibit of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. Mr. Boonchob Sutthamanaswong, Chairman of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, honored the occasion by presiding over the opening ceremony of 'Happy Deng Day' celebrating Moo Deng’s 2nd birthday. Also present were Mrs. Pattharanan Phongphad, District Chief of Si Racha, and Mr. Eksit Amchaon, a member of Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization Council, joining the celebrations for Moo Deng, the dwarf hippopotamus beloved by Thai people and fans worldwide.
Mr. Narongwit Chodchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, reported the event’s purpose, while Mrs. Jongkolnee Kaewsod, Director of the Zoological Park Organization, welcomed and extended best wishes. The event saw a large attendance of distinguished guests.
The ceremony’s highlight featured Mr. Boonchob Sutthamanaswong, executives, and tourists singing Happy Birthday to 2-year-old Moo Deng and presenting a birthday cake decorated with various fruits and vegetables at the exhibit. Fans and visitors gathered in large numbers, smiling widely. The event also included an exhibition and photo gallery of Moo Deng, a parade of adorable mascot animals as friends of Moo Deng, and a booth for fans to write birthday wishes to Moo Deng.
Mr. Boonchob Sutthamanaswong, Chairman of the Zoological Park Organization, revealed that Moo Deng has truly demonstrated Thailand’s soft power, generating positive impacts across multiple dimensions. This includes boosting Chonburi’s economy and tourism and significantly contributing revenue back to the Wildlife Conservation mission of the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage.
On this occasion, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is also moving forward with the Hippo Village project, backed by a 75 million baht government budget. Construction is planned to start in 2027 with the goal of enhancing animal welfare and advancing Thai zoos towards sustainable international standards.
The Hippo Village construction aims mainly to improve the exhibition and breeding areas for dwarf hippopotamuses and hippopotamuses using a Nature-Based Design approach that closely replicates natural environments. This will promote better animal welfare by allowing freer expression of natural behaviors and implementing sustainable environmental management.
Besides providing a better new home for Moo Deng and friends, this project will become a key landmark that efficiently and safely accommodates tourists, helping to sustainably stimulate Thailand’s tourism economy in the long term.
Mr. Boonchob Sutthamanaswong added that today’s event featured many activities and received strong support from Moo Deng’s fan base, including fans who traveled from abroad to join the celebration.
Fans unable to visit in person can watch Moo Deng live online anytime through the Zoological Park Organization’s system. Only 999 Moo Deng stamps were produced as collectibles, which have become quite rare due to high demand among collectors and fans. He invited Thai people and Moo Deng fans to come see Moo Deng in person at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi.
Mr. Narongwit Chodchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, added that this time the zoo will produce a Moo Deng-themed pajama set as a special souvenir and collectible. Fans should get ready to reserve theirs soon. The booking period will be announced later, with no limit on quantity. The pajama design will be kept a surprise, but he assured it would be beautiful and highly collectible.