Thailand Zoo Uses Moo Deng Costume To Help Train Zookeepers

A zoo in Thailand is using a Moo Deng mascot costume to help train zookeepers on how to respond for an animal escape. It's adorable and helpful.

This is happening at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. How does it work? A staff member in a Moo Deng mascot costume staging an escape from an enclosure before going on a rampage around the zoo. Moo Deng, the popular baby pygmy hippo, is the zoo's most famous resident and went viral internationally. Now, they're using her likeness to help train the zookeepers! Check out a video shared on Facebook below. It's cute...and kind of scary?

The zoo took to social media to say, "The control team proceeded to close off the area and bring the hippo back into the pen safely. During the rehearsal, there was a rehearsal of a hippo attacking one staff member, resulting in minor injuries. The zoo's first aid unit immediately provided assistance and sent the patron to the hospital." I guess it's good to practice this kind of thing before you really need it. You see animals escape all the time at the zoo and it's best to be prepared for when or if that ever happens.

The process also involved vets simulating the process of tranquilizing the fake Moo Deng and giving her a health examination. Thailand really does know how to make everything fun. They seem to have a good time over there. Moo Deng, the real Moo Deng, celebrated her first birthday earlier this month, per UPI.