Moo Deng is back in the spotlight \u2014 but not for the heartwarming reasons as before.<\/p>\n
Conservationist Siranudh Scott brought attention back on to the viral pet after calling the pygmy hippo\u2019s living situation \u201csad\u201d on social media<\/a>, showing a photo<\/a> of fecal matter in the habitat.<\/p>\n \u201cThe other day I saw pictures of the current condition of Moo Deng\u2019s cage\/habitat\/pool,\u201d Scott wrote in a translated X post on Feb. 15.<\/p>\n Fans have expressed concern over Moo Deng\u2019s enclosure. Lauren DeCicca\/Getty Images<\/p>\n A conservationist called Moo Deng\u2019s living conditions \u201csad,\u201d sparking a conversation online. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really sad to see it like this. Even though he\u2019s generated so much income, in the end, he\u2019s just a business in the eyes of the people around him,\u201d<\/p>\n Scott wrote a follow-up posting clarifying his words, saying that he was \u201cnot criticizing the Moo Deng caretakers or the animals themselves\u201d and didn\u2019t \u201cwant anyone to misunderstand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to convey that animals that are recognized worldwide and bring fame to the country should have a quality of life, space, a safe environment, and animal companions that are commensurate with the value they bring to us,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n But that didn\u2019t stop fans from making their own assumptions and taking an interest in their beloved Moo Deng.<\/p>\n When fans online started to express their concern, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand<\/a>, released a statement addressing it.<\/p>\n \u201cKhao Kheow Open Zoo would like to express its gratitude for all the concerns and suggestions from fans worldwide,\u201d the zoo said in a statement<\/a>, originally written in Thai, on Feb. 16.<\/p>\n The Khao Kheow Open Zoo said they appreciated the concerns for Moo Deng, but insisted she was being cared for. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n Moo Deng has attracted many tourists to the zoo. CHANAKARN LAOSARAKHAM\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n They addressed the \u201conline discussions regarding the cleanliness and living conditions\u201d of the social media star.<\/a><\/p>\n