The director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo led a team of veterinarians to "straighten the teeth" of "Pee Pae," son of Mae Mali, after discovering that his lower teeth had grown abnormally long, piercing upward into the upper gum wall.
On 24 March 2026 at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha district, Chonburi province, Mr. Narongwit, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, along with a team of veterinarians and hippopotamus caretakers, jointly examined and treated the oral health of "Pee Pae," the male hippopotamus well known at the zoo.
It was found that Pee Pae's lower teeth had grown abnormally long, piercing upward into the upper gum wall. The veterinary team proceeded to trim the lower teeth to prevent injury, infection, and to help him live and eat normally.
Trimming teeth in hippopotamuses is a necessary health care measure because their teeth continuously grow throughout life. If their bite is abnormal or teeth wear unevenly, it can cause oral wounds, affecting eating and overall health. The treatment is conducted under close veterinary supervision with anesthesia and careful monitoring for safety.
This procedure reflects Khao Kheow Open Zoo's standards for animal welfare, emphasizing physical health, oral health, and quality of life for animals under their care. The veterinary team regularly checks health and plans appropriate treatments to minimize animals' pain and stress as much as possible.
"Pee Pae," also known as "Pee Nueng," is a male hippopotamus beloved by visitors, born on 11 October 1989 and now about 36 years old. He is the 11th son of "Mae Mali" and "Paw Noom" and a member of the zoo's famous hippopotamus family, closely bonded with "Kha Moo" and other hippopotamus celebrities.
After treatment, Pee Pae is in good health and under close veterinary care, surrounded by affection from staff and visitors who continue to support him.
