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Originally appeared on E! Online<\/a><\/p>\n Moo Deng<\/strong><\/a>‘s caretakers are addressing concerns over her welfare.<\/p>\n Nearly two years after the pygmy hippo went viral<\/a>, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand\u2014where the animal resides\u2014 spoke out against recent “online comments about the cleanliness and living conditions of Nong Moo Deng.”<\/p>\n “The images circulating on social media are likely animal droppings, a normal behavior for hippos who defecate in water or on land to mark their territory,” the institution clarified in a Thai statement posted on X (formerly Twitter)<\/a> Feb. 16. “The zoo confirms that its keepers clean up animal waste every morning according to international animal welfare standards (WAZA).”<\/p>\n The zoo also explained that Moo Deng’s habitat is often muddy “not due to neglect,” but rather “designed according to biological principles to allow the animal to exhibit instinctive behaviors and maintain healthy skin.”<\/p>\n “Pygmy hippos require high humidity,” the establishment continued, sharing that they already have plans to build a habitat expansion to “accommodate 6 pygmy hippos and 7 great hippos, providing them with spacious and ecologically suitable living conditions.”<\/p>\n More from E! Online<\/strong><\/p>\n However, the zoo added that they “will prioritize caution” for Moo Deng and other hippos amid the construction as loud noises “could cause them distress.”<\/p>\n “The project will be planned in a step-by-step manner,” the statement read. “Khao Kheow Open Zoo affirms its commitment to developing beautiful and modern exhibit areas while maintaining animal welfare to the best of its ability.”<\/p>\n