At the heart of the verdant and sprawling Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Zoo, nestled in the picturesque province of Si Sa Ket, a delightful newcomer has recently caught the attention of all who visit. This newcomer is no standard resident; it is a charming hippopotamus calf that graced the world with its presence at the early hour of 6 AM last Sunday. This tiny bundle of joy has yet to reveal whether it’s a ‘he’ or a ‘she’ since the protective mother has been steadfast in guarding her little one from curious onlookers and eager veterinarians.
The announcement of this adorable calf’s arrival has sparked waves of excitement, drawing a significant swell in visitor numbers, each hopeful for a chance to spot this cute river horse in action. The zoo’s administrators are optimistic that the infant hippo will captivate hearts much like the famous Moo Deng – a pygmy hippo calf from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, who rose to stardom as a beloved social media sensation.
In a novel gesture to foster community engagement, the park is posing a whimsical challenge; they’re inviting suggestions from the public to nominate names for this unnamed calf. Imagine having the honor of naming a zoo’s star attraction! Imagine the stories you could recount to your friends and family about how you contributed to zoo history!
As with most exciting events, safety and care are essential. Visitors are urged respectfully to refrain from tossing food into the hippo’s enclave. Even in their most irresistible moments, let’s remember that hippos are devoted herbivores, with their dietary needs best handled by their trusty caretakers. Donations in the form of snacks are certainly welcomed, just ensure they’re left with the caregivers who know just how to spoil the hippo family.
One enthusiastic young visitor, eyes gleaming and barely able to contain his excitement, shared his elation with local reporters. For him, spotting the newborn calf among the zoo’s collection was a dream come true—it was an enchanting finale to his visit. He chuckled at the thought of becoming the unofficial ambassador of hippos back in his hometown, eagerly suggesting the delightful name “Nong Moo Khrob” for his new friend.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Zoo offers more than just hippos in its animal ensemble. With a very affordable admission fee—35 baht for adults and a nostalgic 10 baht for children—visitors are also treated to the antics and allure of monkeys, bears, crocodiles, deer, and exotic birds like pheasants and ostriches. For those with a fascination for all things slithery, the snakes exhibit promises to be enthralling.
So, if you find yourself in the tranquil beauty of Si Sa Ket, pay a visit to the zoo and be part of this joyous chapter. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll spot a little hippo practice its first watery waddle, or even take a more contemplative gaze at the surrounding crowd. Either way, it promises to be a delightful and memorable experience.
How can anyone resist the adorableness of a baby hippo? I can’t wait to visit!
I feel like the zoo is using the hippo calf just to boost their ticket sales. It’s a marketing ploy!
Even if it is marketing, isn’t it still good that more people learn to care about animals?
Exactly! And the money can support the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Hippos belong in the wild, not in zoos. It’s unnatural and sad.
But what if the zoos give them a safe place when their habitats are being destroyed?
Preservation should be in the wild, not confinement. It’s a moral issue for me.
Does anyone know what ‘Nong Moo Khrob’ means? That name sounds adorable!
Pretty sure it means something like ‘crispy pork’. Not sure how it fits as a hippo name.
That’s kind of funny yet endearing! It adds character to the little calf.
Naming the calf is such a fun community activity! I hope they choose something with local significance.
Zoos are so outdated. Isn’t it time we found better ways to engage with nature?
Maybe, but for now, they’re a way people relate to wild animals they might otherwise never see.
Still seems like we’re putting our entertainment above the animals’ needs.
This zoo has always been a favorite for family trips! Excited to see the little hippo next time.
I hope they name it something cool like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson or something equally epic!
Or maybe keep it traditional and local, so it ties back to its roots.
Does anyone else think that baby hippos should be protected like pandas? They’re so precious!
Not all animals are endangered like pandas. Conservation needs depend on the species’ status.
I guess. It just seems they’re too cute to be vulnerable in any way!
Why can’t we know if it’s a boy or a girl yet? I’m curious!
The mother’s being overprotective, and you need to be patient. It’ll happen soon!
I think it’s great visitors are reminded not to feed the animals improperly. It shows they care.
I love that kid’s enthusiasm! Naming a hippo seems like the ultimate childhood dream.
Haha, I think the monkey from the zoo would make a good ambassador too!
Imagine getting to see the calf take its first swim. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Why not set up live streams so people from outside the province can enjoy watching the calf too?
That’d be awesome! But also raises concerns about constant recording pressures on animals.
True, so maybe as a limited-time event, just enough to share the excitement.