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The Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) is defending Khao Kheow Open Zoo against the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) accusation of animal cruelty against Moo Deng, an internet-famous baby pygmy hippopotamus. In multiple Facebook posts, PETA alleged that the zoo in Chonburi province exploited the two-month-old female hippopotamus for entertainment and profit.
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What PETA says: In a September 20 post, PETA Asia published a statement from Senior Vice President Jason Baker, who condemned Moo Deng’s captivity and called on zoos to prioritize conservation efforts that protect animals in the wild. “Breeding [hippos] for public display perpetuates their suffering,” Baker said in part. In a September 23 post on its main page, PETA noted that “the zoo in Thailand is exploiting her for profit, parading her around as an attraction.” It also cited incidents where visitors allegedly threw objects and poured water on Moo Deng to attract her attention, raising concerns for her safety. Born in July, Moo Deng has been captivating visitors with her expressive personality since she was first introduced to the public on September 6.
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What the zoo says: Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi refuted PETA’s claims, explaining that the zoo has implemented measures to ensure the welfare and quality of life of its animals. On Monday, TSPCA Secretary and Director Dr. Sathit Pratchaya-ariyakun told reporters that the information about Moo Deng may be incomplete. Sathit also pointed out that PETA uses the same tools it uses in boycott campaigns against other countries. He highlighted the organization’s global campaign to boycott coconut milk produced in Thailand after it claimed Thailand’s plantation industry used monkey slave labor to collect coconuts – claims that then-Trade Minister Jurin Laksanawisit refuted. Sathit called for a dialogue between the zoo, TSPCA and PETA to clarify misunderstandings and resolve the issue.
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