CHONBURI, Thailand – Thailand’s beloved pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng became an aunt on November 4 following the birth of a baby pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province. The newborn is the first offspring of Moo Toon, Moo Deng’s seven-year-old older brother, and Moo Manao, a 14-year-old female. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the birth on November 5 and confirmed that both mother and baby are healthy. Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi said veterinarians are closely monitoring the pair, and the newborn is already walking around and exploring its surroundings under its mother’s watchful eye.
Moo Manao has shown strong maternal instincts, staying close to her baby and keeping zoo staff at a distance. The pair remain together under veterinary supervision as the zoo prepares to introduce the newest family member to visitors. The zoo has not yet announced a date for the public debut. The birth follows Moo Toon and Moo Manao’s ceremonial wedding in January 2025, attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi. (NNT)
