Khao Kheow Open Zoo defends against PETA's accusations that "Moo Deng," a pygmy hippo, is exploited for profit, asserting its commitment to animal welfare.
The zoo director highlights the facility's four core missions: conservation, research, education, and recreation, confirming annual welfare evaluations for all animals, not just Moo Deng.
Animal rights organizations PETA and Born Free criticize zoos for breeding animals for profit, urging tourists to boycott facilities that keep 'celebrity' animals like Moo Deng captive.
Moo Deng's viral social media fame, ignited by a zookeeper's video, has intensified concerns among campaigners regarding her use as a tool to boost zoo revenue and profile.
PETA has repeatedly raised concerns, previously calling for Moo Deng's release and advocating for hippos to remain in their natural wild habitats, accusing the zoo of exploitation.
Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.