Long-weekend crowds queue for Moo Deng

Zoo visitors advised to have cash available at the gate to stifle traffic flow without net tickets.

Moo Deng, which means “bouncy pig” in Thai, has become a global social media sensation, attracting thousands of visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri and garnering attention from fans worldwide. (Photo: Khao Kheow Open Zoo)
Moo Deng, which means “bouncy animal” in Thai, has become a worldwide social media experience, drawing thousands of visitors to Chon Buri’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and gaining fan attention from fans all over the world. ( Photo: Khao Kheow Open Zoo )

With customers backed up over five kilometers on Saturday, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo is attracting even more audiences than usual to see the famous dwarf hippopotamus Moo Deng.

On Saturday, street jam were reported across Chon Buri province, with the epicentre being located 40 kilometers north of Pattaya town.

Since Moo Deng’s delivery on July 10th, the park has been receiving large masses of local and international tourists because of the extended weekend that runs from Saturday to Monday. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial Day is being replaced on October 13 with Monday as a vacation.

More people are going to the park as a result of the end-of-term college breaks. Some people have complained that Moo Deng’s five-minute viewing time is also restrained because the majority of guests now have to wait for hours to watch her.

Some people who were present at the park on Saturday claimed that while Bangkok to Chon Buri only took a small over an hours, they had to wait in their automobiles for almost the same amount of time to enter Khao Kheow. The visitors claimed that Moo Deng’s acceptance on social media made them feel a drawn to the park.

Visitors to the park should bring cash with them so they can purchase tickets at the gate, which will help ease traffic.

The endangered midget hippopotamus turned three months old on Thursday after a vet discovered she had gained 10 kg in the previous month and is now 32.7 kg.