Chonburi: Khao Kheow Open Zoo celebrated the 61st birthday of "Mae Mali," the longest-living hippopotamus in Thailand. Fans, tourists, and schoolchildren joined in singing birthday songs and presented her with a special giant fruit cake.
According to Thai News Agency, the atmosphere was joyful as tourists, fans of Mae Mali, and schoolchildren gathered at the hippopotamus exhibit in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Sri Racha District, Chonburi Province, to celebrate Mae Mali's 61st birthday. The event was marked by songs and smiles as attendees participated in the celebration.
Mr. Narongwit Chodchoy, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, stated that the celebration was a significant event for the zoo, honoring Mae Mali, a beloved female hippopotamus renowned for her long life in Thailand. The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of a giant fruit cake, comprised of Mae Mali's favorite treats such as watermelon, dragon fruit, apples, papaya, bananas, sweet potatoes, grapes, carrots, and fresh grass.
As Mae Mali emerged from the water, she slowly approached and began to eat the cake, while the crowd sang birthday songs and applauded the cherished hippopotamus.