Holidaymakers urged not to perpetuate suffering of famous captive animals

Groups including Born Free and PETA say they have fears for animal welfare as a result of global fame

Moo Deng, a female pygmy hippo has recently become a viral internet sensation (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While on holiday last month in Thailand I was constantly asked if I had visited Moo Deng.

The pygmy hippo became an unwilling internet star after her keeper posted an image on Instagram.

Moo Deng, which means bouncy pork in Thai, has boosted revenue for Khao Kheow Open Zoo, near the capital Bangkok, by doubling visitor numbers.

But groups including Born Free and PETA say they have fears for her welfare as a result of her global fame and urged Brits on holiday not to visit her and other famous animals in zoos.

As a result of her soaring popularity, the Thai zoo has had to install CCTV cameras and limit visitor numbers at her enclosure as well as ask visitors to stop throwing objects or making loud noises to goad her.

They warn that pygmy hippos - who are endangered in the wild - are reclusive and nocturnal. They spend most of their days in nature sleeping and hiding in rivers, waiting until nighttime to forage in their diverse and expansive habitat.