Thailands Longest-Living Hippo Mae Mali Celebrates 59th Birthday

Pattaya —

Mae Mali, the oldest hippopotamus in Thailand, just celebrated her 59th birthday with a grand celebration at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province today, September 8th, 2024.

The event was held at 9:30 AM and was attended by Mr. Narongwit Chodchoi, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, along with the zoo staff members, tourists, fans, and students.

The celebration featured a special giant birthday cake filled with Mae Mali’s favorite treats, including fruits and vegetables such as dragon fruit, watermelon, apples, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, grapes, carrots, and fresh grass. As Mae Mali emerged from the pond, attendees sang “Happy Birthday” and watched as she slowly but happily enjoyed her fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, a supporter of the zoo’s wildlife sponsorship program donated 20,000 baht to help care for Mae Mali’s health and to build her a new home. The event also featured various activities, such as writing birthday wishes, an exhibition about Mae Mali’s life, fun games, and a charity event to support Mae Mali through the zoo’s wildlife sponsorship program under the slogan, “We will care for her as she grows old with us.”

According to the zoo, Mae Mali was transferred from Dusit Zoo to Khao Kheow Open Zoo on December 18th, 2018, and is currently in good health. She originally came from Tilburg Zoo in the Netherlands and arrived in Thailand on June 8th, 1967, at the age of just one year. Over the years, Mae Mali has given birth to over 14 offspring.

At present, Mae Mali remains in good health and is considered the longest-living hippopotamus in Thailand. If her health remains good in the future, she could become the longest-living hippopotamus in the world, the zoo officials said.

Subscribe
Aim Tanakorn
The local news translator and writer at The Pattaya News. Tanakorn "Aim" Panyadee is a twenty-five year old who currently lives in Bangkok. Interested in English translation, story-telling, and entrepreneurship, he believes that hard-working is an indispensable component of every success in this world.