Don't try this: a Thai man secretly climbed into the pool of the 'Moo Deng' dwarf hippopotamus. He aimed to record content but was recently arrested and handed over to police. The zoo reminded that hippos are dangerous animals and asked visitors to strictly follow the rules for safety.
This became a topic widely discussed online when the Facebook pageKhao Kheow Open Zooposted a statement regarding an intrusion into the dwarf hippopotamus exhibit area, known as 'Moo Deng,' following images circulated on social media. On 17 March 2026 at about 5 p.m., Khao Kheow Open Zoo provided an update on the situation and recent actions taken.
1. Coordination and investigation by staff revealed the intruder was a Thai national who took advantage of the time when staff were caring for animals in the evening to sneak into the restricted, private animal exhibit area.
2. Security personnel have detained the offender and handed him over to the police. An investigation is underway to determine motives and gather evidence.Legal action will proceed fully to maintain safety standards and animal welfare as a priority.
3. Keepers confirmed the dwarf hippo family was unharmed but may have been slightly startled by close contact with an outsider. The veterinary team will continue close behavioral observation.
4. The zoo thanks the public and fans for reporting the incident and expressing concern. Their cooperation is a vital encouragement for staff to diligently care for wildlife welfare.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo strongly reminds all visitors to strictly follow rules and staff instructions for the safety of both visitors and animals. The zoo will take legal measures without exception against risky behavior.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page "Kha Moo and the Gang" posted:"Headache.Someone jumped into the Moo Deng pool. Luckily, no biting occurred. The person was handed over to police."Yes, I was seen cleaning inside, but not everyone is allowed to enter. We keep reminding that hippos are dangerous animals, and only staff may approach them. Moo Deng is safe and was not touched.""
On 18 March 2026, Narongwit Chodchoei, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, revealed that a tourist secretly entered the Moo Deng pool around 5 p.m. yesterday. Zoo staff took about 10 minutes to detain him and immediately filed a complaint at Sriracha Police Station.
Safety warnings emphasize that hippos are instinctively dangerous. Visitors must strictly follow rules. The zoo provides designated zones for close encounters and feeding, under close keeper supervision.
Information sourced from Khao Kheow Open Zoo Facebook page and Kha Moo and the Gang.