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Man Charged After Entering Viral Hippo Moo Deng’s Enclosure in Thailand

Zoo officials pledged legal action after confirming the hippos were unharmed.

Overview

  • Security footage captured the man climbing into the restricted pen around 5:17 p.m. Tuesday, holding a tablet and remaining inside for about one to two minutes.
  • Zoo staff detained him and police filed an initial trespassing charge; he was later released on bail as the investigation continues.
  • Khao Kheow Open Zoo lodged a complaint and says it will pursue all available legal action under Thai law, which allows up to a year in jail or a fine of up to 20,000 baht.
  • Moo Deng and her mother, Jona, were reported unharmed though slightly startled, and veterinarians are monitoring them; officials said the intruder did not touch the animals.
  • The incident follows surging visitor interest driven by Moo Deng’s social-media fame, which prompted tighter viewing windows and renewed scrutiny of enclosure security.