Moo Deng shows off her signature sass in viral videos

Some online users have speculated that Moo Deng is caught biting so often because she is treated too frequently or roughly by keepers, and expressed concern about her enclosure and the pressure from all visitors and the attention she receives. PETA has also published comments about her captivity, a move that the Thai Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals criticized while defending Moo Deng’s care.

Users pointed out that the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) care guidelines for pygmy hippos advise against much direct contact, citing how dangerous the animals become after about a year.

However, others have also reported visiting the zoo defended the facilityand highlighted that it was the first in Thailand to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), an accreditation agency that sets and maintains standards for the care of captive animals.

A look at Moo Deng’s 24-hour live stream also shows that she is only treated for short periods each day when her keeper enters the enclosure to feed her mother, defense attorneys pointed out. Because wild monkeys native to the area like to sneak in and eat food intended for the zoo’s animals, their keeper remains in the enclosure until the mother has had ample opportunity to finish her meal.