Hop, Skip, and a Moo Bouncing to Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo!

Over weekend, my family and I embarked on a much-anticipated day trip to Khao Kheow Open Zoo to visit Moo Deng, the charming pygmy hippopotamus whose name means "bouncy pig." With my son leading the excitement, we packed our bags full of snacks, water, and curiosity, setting off from Bangkok early in the morning. Just a 1.5- to 2-hour drive away, the zoo proved to be the perfect destination for a family outing. The best part is that we don’t need to walk. There’s golf cart for rental and my son especially enjoyed the ride to get around! Just remember not to bring food or leave food unattended in the cart as the monkey will come take them all.

Meeting Moo Deng
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, is the star attraction and an absolute delight to watch. Her species, Choeropsis liberiensis, is a rare and endangered one, with fewer than 3,000 individuals left in the wild, primarily in the rainforests of West Africa. Unlike her larger cousins, pygmy hippos are more solitary and prefer forested environments with access to water.

Moo Deng’s name, “bouncy pig,” perfectly captures her playful demeanor as she waddles through her specially designed enclosure. My son was thrilled to watch her splashing in the water, nibbling on her favorite snacks, or even taking her beauty nap under the tree! Moo Deng is part of a carefully managed conservation program to protect pygmy hippos from extinction, and the zoo plays a vital role in ensuring her species' survival.

Exploring Khao Kheow Open Zoo
While Moo Deng was the highlight of our visit, Khao Kheow Open Zoo offers so much more. Spread over 2,000 acres, the zoo is home to over 300 species and 8,000 animals, all housed in spacious and naturalistic enclosures. After visiting Moo Deng, we took a tram ride to explore other parts of the zoo, including the aviary, the African Savanna section, and the lemur island.

The biodiversity here is astounding. My son’s favorite moment (aside from meeting Moo Deng) was visiting the penguins and watching elephant swimming under the water. A Lesson in Conservation
Our visit wasn’t just about fun and exploration—it was also a learning experience. While we were taking a tram ride around the zoo, The staff shared insights into the zoo’s conservation programs, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species like the pygmy hippo. For my son, hearing about the challenges these animals face in the wild sparked curiosity and a sense of responsibility toward nature.

The journey back to Bangkok was filled with lively discussions about everything we’d seen and learned. For me, the trip was more than just a day out—it was a chance to bond with my family, appreciate the wonders of nature, and instill valuable lessons about conservation in my son.

Reflections
Visiting Khao Kheow Open Zoo and meeting Moo Deng reminded us of the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Moo Deng is not just an adorable animal; she’s a symbol of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species for future generations.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, educational day trip from Bangkok, I highly recommend a visit to Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Whether it’s watching Moo Deng splash in her pool or exploring the zoo’s vast habitats, you’re sure to leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for nature.

Here’s to more adventures like this—bouncy, meaningful, and full of joy! 

About the Author (Editorial Team)

Delta Thailand

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