However, this wave of popularity hasn’t been without its critics. The wildlife activism group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), has accused the zoo of exploiting the baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng. They’ve made a compelling case that she belongs in the wild rather than being paraded as a spectacle. A post dated September 23 on PETA’s Facebook page pulls no punches: “TikTok turned Moo Deng into a celebrity, but the reality is far from cute. The zoo in Thailand is exploiting her for profit, parading her around like an attraction. A hippo’s home is the wild. Boycott roadside zoos!”
Accompanied by a graphic, the post includes a message from Jason Baker, PETA’s Asia senior vice president, who voices a rather grim reality: “There is nothing cute about a baby born into imprisonment! Moo Deng should’ve been born in the wild, not bred for human entertainment.” Concerns in the post were bolstered by reports from visitors alleging that Moo Deng had endured inappropriate and potentially dangerous behavior, such as being pelted with water and other objects.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has responded swiftly to reassure both the public and animal rights activists that the protection and welfare of Moo Deng is a top priority. Officials have issued a firm warning: any behavior deemed harmful to Moo Deng will not be tolerated and may result in legal consequences for the perpetrators.
Despite the controversy, Moo Deng has become an internet phenomenon, especially on platforms like TikTok, where her keeper’s posts have gone viral. Visitors from near and far are flocking to the zoo, willing to wait hours for a brief five-minute viewing session of the tiny celebrity. The financial windfall is notable—admissions in September saw a staggering quadruple increase, reaching 19.2 million baht compared to the same period last year. Merchandise sales have also surged, and a 24-hour livestream of Moo Deng has drawn viewers from all corners of the globe.
Not everyone agrees with PETA’s grim outlook. A significant number of responses to their post argue that the zoo’s efforts actually contribute to the conservation of the endangered pygmy hippo. “The pygmy hippo is an endangered animal. If you leave it in the wild, do you think it will be safe from enemies and hunters?” read one comment, encapsulating a point that many others echoed.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), endangered pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and their population in the wild is estimated to be between 2,000 and 2,500. This precarious status has fueled the debate over whether conservation efforts in controlled environments like zoos might be more beneficial than leaving endangered species in their natural but increasingly perilous habitats.
This isn’t the first time PETA has clashed with Thailand. Last year, the organization accused the Thai coconut industry of exploiting monkeys, alleging they kidnapped countless baby monkeys and forced them into labor picking coconuts. These allegations were firmly denied by industry executives.
The story of Moo Deng is multifaceted and certainly complex. While her celebrity status has undeniably brought significant financial resources and attention to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, it also serves as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the ethics of animal captivity versus conservation. While the zoo management assures that Moo Deng’s welfare remains their top priority, activist groups like PETA are steadfast in their opposition, arguing that true conservation cannot be achieved through captivity.
It’s bizarre how people are obsessed with a baby hippo while ignoring the cruelty of keeping it in a zoo.
I agree. It’s disturbing that entertainment comes at the expense of an animal’s freedom.
But without zoos, many endangered species might not survive. It’s a complex issue.
PETA always makes it sound worse than it is. The zoo is helping to raise awareness about endangered species.
PETA is right. Taking animals from their natural habitat for profit is unethical.
PETA would rather see these animals die in the wild than be cared for in a controlled environment.
It’s more about creating the right conditions for them to live freely. Zoos can’t replicate the wild.
But isn’t it better to save them in captivity than risk extinction?
This zoo is doing what it can to protect Moo Deng and other animals. Give them credit!
Credit for exploiting animals? Count me out.
It’s not exploitation if it helps save a species. Perspective matters.
If people didn’t care, these animals would have no protection at all.
Protection comes in many forms, but zoos aren’t the ideal solution.
Fair point, but without public interest and funding, conservation efforts struggle.
It’s amazing how TikTok can turn a baby hippo into an internet star!
Amazing? Or sad? This entire situation is fueled by social media hype.
I see your point. It does make you think about the ethics behind it.
Moo Deng is adorable, and the zoo seems to be doing a great job with her.
The real issue is how the funds are used. If they’re improving living conditions for all animals, it’s a good thing.
That’s true, but shouldn’t the ultimate goal be freeing these animals?
I think the zoo should increase security to stop people from throwing things at Moo Deng.
As long as they use the money for better animal care, it’s fine with me.
The debate will continue, but we can’t ignore the educational benefits zoos provide.
Wouldn’t it be great if Moo Deng’s fame could help establish better standards for all zoos?
Agreed! Imagine if every animal had the same attention and care.
Let’s not forget that many endangered species have been saved through captive breeding programs.
It’s a win-win situation. The zoo gets funds, and animals get better care.
People visiting Moo Deng is harmless. What’s the big deal?
The big deal is that it normalizes keeping wild animals in captivity.
Protecting animals in zoos is a necessary evil. The wild isn’t as safe as people think.
I just hope we can find a balance between conservation and freedom for these animals.
Balance is key. But where do we draw the line?
If PETA really cared, they’d support efforts to fund better zoo facilities.