Recently, the U.S.-based animal rights organization, PETA, posted on Facebook criticizing a Thai zoo for allegedly exploiting the hippo “Moo Deng” for profit. PETA claimed that wild animals like hippos should live in natural habitats and called for a boycott of Thai zoos that hold animals in captivity. This led to widespread public debate. Reporters sought comments from Dr. Sathit Prachayariyakul, Secretary-General and Director of the Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA).
Dr. Sathit believes that global interest in this matter stems from the popularity of Moo Deng, Thailand’s miniature hippo and “little star ambassador” of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi. Dr. Sathit expressed that PETA may lack a complete understanding of the situation and is perhaps applying its conventional standards to initiate boycotts, similar to past campaigns such as those about Thailand’s coconut-picking monkeys, which heavily impacted Thailand’s coconut industry.
While some issues raised by PETA may be valid and drive positive change, there are also cases where the organization relies on one-sided information, which may not accurately reflect the situation. Such campaigns can sometimes lead to public misinterpretation and may even harm the tourism reputation of Thailand and affect international perspectives of the country.
Dr. Sathit suggests that PETA should respect the rights of other parties involved. If the concerns are valid, responsible parties should improve conditions; if not, they should clarify the accurate facts. Particularly in Moo Deng’s case, Dr. Sathit offers the following insights:
1. Animal Welfare vs. Animal Rights
Thailand’s approach to animals involves a commitment to “animal welfare,” meaning animals may be used responsibly, with moral and ethical obligations to ensure their well-being and prevent unnecessary cruelty. In contrast, some countries and groups like PETA follow the principle of “animal rights,” advocating for animals’ complete autonomy, free from killing, suffering, or exploitation. These approaches reflect different foundational beliefs regarding the treatment of animals.
2. Global Standards at Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Currently, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng resides, meets global standards and is certified by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). WAZA is a major organization overseeing animal welfare, promoting biodiversity conservation, and advancing environmental education and research for global sustainability. Its 1,300 member institutions—including leading zoos, aquariums, veterinarians, and educational providers across 25 countries—adhere to a strict code of ethics and animal welfare, ensuring that each zoo operates under the highest welfare standards.
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born and raised in captivity, is a species whose natural population is critically endangered. With the specialized care of experienced veterinarians in Thailand, the population of these difficult-to-breed animals has increased locally. If conditions permit, reintroducing them into their natural habitats is a viable future goal, pending further research.
3. Thailand’s Animal Welfare Legislation
Thailand has implemented the Prevention of Cruelty and Animal Welfare Act of 2014, aimed at raising care standards and protecting animals from unnecessary cruelty. This legislation aligns with international standards. As such, animal care in Thailand follows established legal principles, ensuring the humane treatment of animals. Personal beliefs should be respected without imposing them, as global etiquette suggests, and emotions alone should not drive legal mandates.
In conclusion, Moo Deng has received care under globally accepted standards. However, improving the environmental conditions to ensure better welfare would be beneficial, such as managing interference from wild animals or providing Moo Deng with more rest from human interaction. While the “little star ambassador” has captured global attention, inspiring conservation efforts, it is essential to minimize direct contact to avoid any unintentional misperception and allow the animal ample time for natural rest.
This balanced approach helps ensure the well-being of Moo Deng while fostering a positive perception of Thailand’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
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Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Daeng was born on July 10, 2024, as part of Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s pygmy hippo conservation program. Its parents, Tony and Jonah, are both pygmy hippos, a species classified as endangered and requiring special care. The zoo plays a crucial role in breeding and conserving this species to ensure its survival and well-being.
Why is Moo Deng’s rise to fame important to pygmy hippos?
The pygmy hippo is significantly smaller than the common hippopotamus, with an average weight of around 250-300 kilograms, compared to the common hippo’s weight, which can reach up to 3,000 kilograms. Their skin is highly sensitive to sunlight, requiring them to spend time in water or mud to maintain moisture. Pygmy hippos typically inhabit the tropical rainforests of West Africa, leading solitary lives—quite unlike the social herds of common hippos. Classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, their primary threats are habitat loss due to deforestation in West Africa and hunting for animal parts.
Conservation programs in zoos, such as Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s breeding initiative, are helping to increase the pygmy hippo population and prevent their extinction. Moo Deng, in fact, is part of this vital conservation effort.
