Man Arrested for Trespassing into Viral Hippo Moo Deng's Enclosure

A Thai man was arrested after entering the restricted enclosure of Moo Deng, the viral pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, officials said Wednesday. The incident occurred Tuesday evening at the facility located about 100 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, when the man climbed into the pen housing the young animal and her mother, Jona, while a keeper was temporarily absent and no other visitors were present.

According to zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy, security footage captured the man, dressed in a black beanie, sunglasses, green tank top and brown shorts, approaching the hippos while holding a tablet, apparently to record or take photos. He remained inside the enclosure for one to two minutes before staff noticed him and alerted police. The man did not attempt to flee or touch the animals, Chodchoy told reporters, and he was detained peacefully at the scene.

Police charged the unidentified suspect with trespassing, a violation that carries potential penalties of up to one year in jail or a fine of 20,000 baht under Thai law. The zoo has filed a formal complaint and plans to pursue all available legal actions as the investigation continues. The man was released on bail shortly...