The man managed to enter the enclosure when there were no keepers present. Surveillance footage shows him approaching Moo Deng and her mother Jona, attempting to film and take pictures with his tablet. He remained there for a minute or two before being spotted by staff.
The zoo says both Moo Deng and her mother appeared slightly frightened by the incident and will be closely monitored by a veterinarian. The perpetrator has been released on bail but remains under investigation.
Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus, has become an internet celebrity with her cute appearance. When she turned one last year, she was celebrated with a four-day festival at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand.
