“Unseen Dangers: How Zoo Visitors Are Disturbing Viral Sensation Moo Deng’s Youthful Joy”
Calves like Moo Deng remain with their mother until weaning, which occurs between six and eight months of age. Before then, they hide near the water as the mother leaves to forage for food.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo has more than doubled its visitors since it began sharing content about Moo Deng.
Visitors are throwing bananas and shellfish at the baby hippo to wake her up and take a photo of her, according to local reports
Image credits: Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Moo Deng’s rising popularity has come with a price. Director Narongwit Chodchoi urged visitors to refrain from throwing things at the baby hippo to get her attention.
Visitors have reportedly thrown bananas and shellfish at Moo Deng, disrupting her while she’s having a nap to get a picture of her.
Some people have also poured water on her.
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“Most of the time, she is sleeping,” said zookeeper Atthapon Nundee.
“She only has milk from mom; she doesn’t eat anything else besides milk.”
Chodchoi has installed security cameras in the zoo and said he would consider legal action against those who harm the animal.
“These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous,” he said.
“We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment.”
The post Moo Deng, Viral 2-Month-Old Baby Hippo, Disrupted By âCruelâ Behavior From Zoo Visitors first appeared on Bored Panda.
