Post Claiming “Moo Deng” Died Found to Be False; May Be Intended to Lure Users to Online Gambling Websites
Source of the false information: TikTok
False claim: A post claimed that “Moo Deng,” the pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, had died.
Post details: The video, published on May 25, 2026, featured the caption, “You don’t have to suffer anymore, Moo Deng. You left us this morning.” The post received more than 175,000 views.
Post Claiming “Moo Deng” Died
Is “Moo Deng” Still Alive?
Thai PBS Verify searched for keywords related to the claim and found no news reports or information from official sources stating that Moo Deng had died.
Thai PBS Verify also examined the comments under the TikTok post claiming that Moo Deng had died and found that some users had posted content related to online gambling websites. This raises the possibility that the post may have been created to generate engagement and lure users to online gambling websites.
The image contains comments from some users about gambling websites.
Thai PBS Verify has verified that it is an online gambling website.
Evidence of Moo Deng’s Continued Activity
Thai PBS Verify then checked updates on Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s page and found that information, images, and activities involving Moo Deng continued to be published after the date on which the false post appeared.
The following examples were found:
- August 7, 2026: The zoo promoted the “Zoo Keeper Insight: Moo Deng Edition” activity.
Photos from the Zoo Keeper Insight: Moo Deng Edition event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi.
- August 9, 2026: The “Khamoo & The Gang” page, which manages Moo Deng, continued to share updates and activities involving her. One post jokingly said, “This is Deng, everyone.
Can’t you recognize me? There are only two hippos in the pool, me and Mom, but everyone keeps asking which one is Moo Deng?”
Photo from “Khamoo & The Gang” page
August 5, 2026: The “Khamoo & The Gang” page also livestreamed Moo Deng while she was eating at the zoo.
Photo from “Khamoo & The Gang” page
In addition, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July 2026, content involving Moo Deng and her match predictions was published, which is inconsistent with the claim that she had died in May 2026.
For example:
- July 18, 2026: Thai PBS News reported on Moo Deng’s prediction of the Spain vs. Argentina match and which team would win the World Cup.
- July 20, 2026: Bright TV reported on Moo Deng’s record of incorrectly predicting the results of three consecutive World Cup matches.
Thai PBS Verify also contacted the Public Relations Department of Khao Kheow Open Zoo regarding visits to see Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus. The department confirmed that Moo Deng can still be visited as usual every day.
This information confirms that Moo Deng is still alive and that the claim that she had died is false.
What Is the Truth?
Moo Deng, the pygmy hippopotamus at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province, is still alive and can be visited as usual. The zoo and the page that manages Moo Deng continued to publish images and updates involving her in August 2026, including a livestream of her eating on August 5, 2026.
Meanwhile, the TikTok post claiming that Moo Deng died on May 25, 2026, was not supported by information from official sources. Comments under the post also contained content related to online gambling websites. Therefore, the claim that Moo Deng had died is false, and the post may have been intended to lure users to online gambling websites.
Verification Process
- Keyword search: Thai PBS Verify searched for keywords related to the case and found no news reports or information from official sources stating that Moo Deng had died.
- Comment-section review: Thai PBS Verify examined comments under the post claiming that Moo Deng had died and found that some users had posted content related to online gambling websites. This raises the possibility that the post may have been created to generate engagement and lure users to online gambling websites.
- Review of the zoo’s updates: Thai PBS Verify checked the Khao Kheow Open Zoo page and found continued publication of information, images, and activities involving Moo Deng after the date on which the post was published.
- Review of subsequent media coverage: Thai PBS Verify checked subsequent media coverage and found reports about Moo Deng predicting FIFA World Cup matches in July 2026.
Potential Impacts of This Misinformation
1. Causing misunderstanding about Moo Deng’s death
People who see the post may believe that Moo Deng has died and pass the information on to others without checking it first, even though information from the zoo and reports published afterward confirm that she is still alive and continues to take part in various activities.
2. Increasing the spread of false information on social media
Liking, commenting on, or sharing the post—even to express sympathy or challenge the claim—may increase its engagement and cause it to be shown to more users.
3. Risk of being directed to online gambling or other untrustworthy websites
In this case, some comments were found to contain links or content related to online gambling websites. Users who click on such links without checking them may be redirected to other websites, where they could be encouraged to register, make payments, or disclose personal or financial information.
4. Creating confusion when accurate information emerges
When users are told that Moo Deng has died but later encounter news or images from the zoo showing that she is still alive, they may become confused and lose confidence in information shared on social media.
5. Providing an opportunity for scammers to exploit trending topics
Moo Deng has attracted a large following. Using her name or images in shocking or upsetting content may be a tactic to attract users’ attention and encourage them to stop, click, or continue interacting with the content.
What to do with this misinformation?
1. Do not immediately believe or share the information
In particular, reports of a death should be approached with caution. If such an important event is genuine, there should normally be information from credible news sources or relevant authorities. Avoid sharing a post simply because its wording or video is shocking or upsetting.
2. Check the information directly with the original source
For news concerning animals in zoos, check the zoo’s official pages or communication channels. For significant claims, consider contacting the relevant organization directly, as the original source is better placed to confirm the animal’s status than information repeatedly shared on social media.
3. Check the date of the post and search for information published afterward
If a post claims that an event occurred on May 25, 2026, search for news reports or updates published after that date. If images, videos, or activities involving Moo Deng are found after the claimed date, they can provide important evidence when assessing the claim.
4. Be cautious about links and comments directing users to other websites
If a post contains links to gambling websites or messages encouraging users to click for more information, do not click the links or enter personal or financial information, particularly when the original claim has not yet been verified.
5. If you are unsure, check multiple sources before sharing
Search using keywords from the post and compare information from credible media organizations, government agencies, or the original source. If the claim cannot be confirmed by reliable sources, it is better to stop sharing it until further evidence becomes available.
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