A Thai zoo housing the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng has pledged to tighten security and pressed charges against a foreign tourist who recently sneaked into the attraction at night as fans voiced concern over the internet-famous animal’s safety.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province on Tuesday said a fact-finding panel had been appointed to determine the cause of the incident, which it revealed two weeks ago. “This act violates our regulations and poses a safety risk to both the individuals and the animals,” the zoo said in a statement on social media.
The park added that police would summon the alleged trespasser to face formal charges on September 1. It also said that additional measures, including stringent monitoring of visitors, would be put in place to prevent recurrence.
Insisting it was not “complacent” in dealing with the security breach, the zoo promised to provide regular updates on the matter, thanking everyone for their “continued concern and support”.
Fans of Moo Deng (“bouncy pork” in Thai), who celebrated her first birthday last month, welcomed the zoo’s transparency in responding to the trespassing.
