This week, I spontaneously flew to Bangkok from Chiang Mai with a friend to visit Moo Deng, the famous baby pygmy hippo at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand, just two hours west of Bangkok. If you're planning a visit from Bangkok, check out my guide for visiting Moo Deng and the ideal times for your trip!
We spent about an hour observing her playful interactions with her mom, caretaker, and some cheeky monkeys. I mainly took horizontal shots and decided to create a blog post to showcase the best images, especially the amusing monkey antics! We visited on a weekday at 8 a.m.
Here are my top photos from my experience with Moo Deng:
In the left image, Moo Deng was napping in the corner when we arrived. As the activity picked up, with her mom munching away and her caretaker cleaning, she began to explore. Right: She was flaunting her adorable leaf accessory.
She was quite lively and enjoyed her time with the caretaker. Watching them interact was delightful! At one point, she began chasing a basket he was using. Clearly, she wasn't a fan of that basket.
This image captures the spot where she was dozing when we first got there. She returned to this corner several times but quickly got back up to wander and snack.
While Moo Deng and her mother Jona enjoyed their meals, the caretaker playfully sprayed them with water, which they both adored.
Here’s a freshly moisturized Moo Deng at her food bowl.
She posed perfectly for her Instagram fans!
Moo Deng shows off her playful side for the camera with her caretaker.
She loved receiving gentle rubs and back scratches.
Moo Deng is such a natural when it comes to posing. It was heartwarming to see her bond with the caretaker.
Moo Deng vs. the Monkey Brigade
While Jona and Moo Deng were eating, these monkeys were lurking nearby. At one point, they attempted to climb down a tree but were spooked. One brave monkey came in for a snack and even posed for me!
Jona remained unfazed by the monkeys, but Moo Deng wasn't having it. She expressed her displeasure quite vocally!
Moo Deng chased off one monkey, but he returned shortly after!
Back again, the monkey brought a friend. Moo Deng stood her ground, showing her “Don’t mess with me!” attitude.
The confrontation escalated when a monkey dared to challenge Moo Deng! (This poor monkey better not have an Instagram account; Moo Deng's fans might come after him!)
The monkeys weren’t ready to give up! They returned for another round!
Moo Deng decided it was time to show them who’s in charge!
Moo Deng taught them a lesson, and they finally retreated.
After battling with the monkeys, Moo Deng was tired. She settled down beside her mom for a nap.
Sleepy Moo Deng
By around 9 a.m., Jona and Moo Deng found a cozy corner to snooze. They remained there, with their backs to the visitors, making it difficult to capture their cute faces. I suggest arriving early at 8 a.m. or later in the afternoon for the best photo opportunities. The best angles for Moo Deng’s enclosure can be found from the elevated areas.
