Adorable Baby Pygmy Hippo 'Moo Deng' Sparks Traffic Chaos at Thailand Zoo Over Holiday Weekend

The overwhelming popularity of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus, has caused significant traffic congestion at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province.

On October 12, visitors were met with queues extending over 3km as fans flocked to see the social-media star in person.

The zoo experienced an unprecedented surge in attendance during the long holiday weekend, with many schools closed, leading to a large influx of families.

Despite efforts to control the crowd by limiting viewing sessions to five minutes, the area around the pygmy hippo exhibit was heavily crowded.

One visitor, Ms. Ellene, shared her experience, having traveled an hour and a half from Don Mueang, only to wait an additional 40 minutes to enter the zoo. She said, “Moo Deng is every bit as adorable and lively as her name suggests. The large crowds are likely due to the combination of the school holidays and the long weekend.”

Moo Deng, a female born on July 10, is the daughter of 25-year-old Jona and 24-year-old Tony. She also has an older sibling who has garnered its own celebrity status at the zoo.

In addition to Moo Deng, the zoo offers other attractions, such as a parade of over 40 Humboldt penguins and performances by Plai Khao Kheow, a renowned elephant known for swimming and exercise routines, which can be viewed through large glass panels. Visitors also have the opportunity to feed giraffes, antelopes, and white rhinos, and observe a family of capybaras. The Khao Kheow Night Zoo adds a unique experience for those interested in observing nocturnal animals.

The surge in visitors underscores the rising influence of social-media animal stars on local tourism.

Zoo officials are taking steps to manage the increased foot traffic while maintaining the welfare of both animals and guests.