Chiang Mai Zoo Defends Baby Hippo: Breeding Success, Open Invitation
Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand, vehemently denies allegations of exploitation leveled by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Born Free Foundation regarding the care of Moo Deng, its seven-month-old pygmy hippo. The zoo maintains its practices meet global animal welfare standards.
The controversy began last week when PETA and the Born Free Foundation urged a tourist boycott of Moo Deng, claiming the zoo prioritizes financial gain over the hippo’s species-specific needs. This prompted a strong defense from Thailand’s Natural Resources Minister, Chalermchai Sri-on, who asserted that Moo Deng’s care fully complies with international benchmarks. He cited the successful birth of seven calves by Moo Deng’s mother, Jona, as evidence of the zoo’s commitment to proper animal husbandry. Minister Sri-on invited PETA and the Born Free Foundation to inspect Khao Kheow Open Zoo personally, suggesting their accusations are unfounded and potentially harmful to Thailand’s tourism industry.
This public defense follows an award presented to Moo Deng and the zoo on Monday by Apichal Chatchalermkit, Deputy Governor of Domestic Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The award recognized their significant contribution to Thailand’s tourism sector. This highlights the ongoing tension between promoting wildlife tourism and addressing international concerns about animal welfare.
Moo Deng’s case underscores the complex ethical considerations surrounding captive animals, especially charismatic megafauna like pygmy hippos. While these animals attract visitors and generate revenue supporting conservation, critics argue that even well-intentioned zoos struggle to replicate the natural environments and social structures crucial for their psychological and physical well-being.
Native to West Africa, pygmy hippos are a vulnerable species threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Their smaller size and more terrestrial habits, compared to common hippos, make them particularly susceptible. The controversy surrounding Moo Deng emphasizes the need for ongoing dialogue and transparency about the ethics of keeping these animals in captivity, even for educational and conservation purposes.
Whether PETA and the Born Free Foundation will accept the invitation to Khao Kheow Open Zoo remains to be seen. The outcome could significantly impact future animal welfare regulations and the relationship between zoos, conservation organizations, and the public. Moo Deng’s situation exemplifies a broader conversation about responsible stewardship of vulnerable species and the ethical implications of wildlife tourism.
