Plot to FREE Moo Deng from captivity in Thai zoo where thousands are flocking to gawp at viral hippo

DESPERATE pleas have been called to free Moo Deng from captivity as thousands flock to the Thailand zoo to gawp at the viral pygmy hippo.

Moo Deng reached worldwide fame after her zookeeper began posting videos her daily antics - despite only being a few months old.

The little pygmy hippo has drawn thousands of visitors worldwide to Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand.

Moo Deng, meaning "bouncy pork", became the internet's latest target of fascination as social media viewers became obsessed with the videos being posted of her.

The hippo's constant activity contributes to her viral fame as she’s rarely ever still, always bouncing around, slipping, biting the zookeepers' knees and running around.

But as social media users fawn over the pink-tummied creature, animal rights activists at Peta believe that Moo Deng being born and bred in captivity has been looked over and ignored.

The organisation spoke to The Sun of Moo Deng allegedly being deprived of her natural right to freedom - and that she and her family "should be moved to a reputable sanctuary".

Peta' s Senior Media and Communications Manager Jennifer White said: "There’s nothing cute about a baby being born in captivity.

"For animals like Moo Deng, who would naturally shun human contact and spend much of their time in water, life in a concrete cage is no life at all.

"If the zoo would allow Peta Asia to facilitate the relocation of Moo Deng to a reputable sanctuary, the group would gladly help."

She added that zoos deliberately breed baby animals "to bring more paying customers through their doors."

Businesses have capitalised on Moo Deng's popularity, as her image is used to sell makeup, souvenirs, footwear and even cakes.

Reports claim that the zoo earned an eye watering £445,712 between the 1 and 25 September - just from selling tickets.

The zoo is also now working hard to meet the public’s appetite for updates, regularly posting photos and videos while also managing crowds of visitors wanting to get a glimpse of the hippo.

But Peta argues that such an influx of customers doesn't just encourage the breeding of baby animals but keeps what they call "animal prisons" open, meaning "misery for more animals."

The pygmy hippo is native to West Africa and happens to be an endangered species.

There are only 2,000-2,500 adults left of the hippo breed, according to IUCN.

But the numbers of them continue to decrease due to horrific hunting for bush meat and habitat destruction.

Peta said how breeding programmes "do absolutely nothing" to protect the survival of an endangered species like pygmy hippos.

Jennifer continued: "Zoos don’t breed animals with the intent of replenishing threatened populations. 

"The majority of animals born into captivity will never be released into the wild. Keeping Moo Deng in captivity will not help bolster imperilled populations of pygmy hippos in the wild whatsoever.

"The only true form of conservation is protecting animals in their natural habitats, which means protecting them from poaching, habitat destruction, and the “exotic” wildlife trade."

But zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi snapped back at some allegations surrounding Moo Deng and her care, telling local media that the zoo ensures the 2,000 animal's welfare and quality of life.

The zoo has also reportedly limited visitor numbers to 30 to 50 people per round to avoid overcrowding.

Peta warned they'll continue to "monitor Moo Deng's situation" and "raise awareness" of animal exploitation in zoos.

The organisation also said their focus remains on pushing for "the transfer of animals like Moo Deng" to sanctuaries to live in more natural environments - and not around gawking visitors.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo have been approached for comment.