CHON BURI -Khao Kheow Open Zoo has prepared a special celebration for much-loved Mae Mali, or Mother Mali, Thailand’s oldest hippopotamus, as she marks her 61st birthday on Sept 8.
Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi said on Wednesday that the event will begin at 9.30am next Tuesday at the hippopotamus exhibit in Chon Buri province.
The celebration will feature a range of activities dedicated to Mae Mali, including an exhibition showcasing interesting facts about hippopotamuses and highlights from Mae Mali’s life story. Visitors will also be able to enjoy interactive games and receive commemorative souvenirs, said Mr Narongwit.
The highlight will be the presentation of a special fruit cake to Mae Mali, followed by a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to mark her 61st birthday.
The celebration is expected to take place in a warm and festive atmosphere, surrounded by zoo staff, visitors and her many fans, said the zoo director.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo has invited visitors and Mae Mali’s admirers to take part in the occasion and send their birthday greetings to the senior hippo, who has been a cherished resident of the zoo and a favourite among the public for many years.
Mae Mali was a big draw at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok before it was closed down to make way for royal projects. She was moved to Khao Kheow Open Zoo on Dec 18, 2018.
Tilburg Zoo in the Netherlands gave the hippo to Thailand on June 8, 1967, when she was only a year old. She has since produced 14 offspring.