Thailand's Oldest Hippo Celebrates 61st Birthday

Khao Khiao Open Zoo held a celebration for Mali, a female hippopotamus turning 61 years old — Thailand's longest-living hippo. The festive event featured fans, tourists, and schoolchildren singing birthday wishes and presenting her with a giant fruit cake. September 8, 2026 — At the hippopotamus exhibit of Khao Khiao Open Zoo in Sri Racha district, Chonburi province, zoo director Narongwit Chadchoy led staff, visitors, and fan club members in commemorating Mali's 61st birthday. Mali is recognized as Thailand's oldest living hippopotamus. The celebration was filled with joy and smiles, with the highlight being a special giant fruit cake made from her favorite foods including watermelon, dragon fruit, apple, papaya, banana, sweet potato, grapes, carrot, and fresh grass. As soon as Mali emerged from the water, she slowly approached and ate the fruit cake to the sound of birthday songs and applause from attendees. On this occasion, Kimberley Kasiyaphat and Mutita Charernpotch (Khun Song) donated 10,000 baht under a wildlife sponsorship program to help cover the birthday cake and support Mali's healthcare. The event also featured educational activities including an exhibition on Mali's life history, a birthday wishes writing activity, and prize-winning games. Mali originally came from Thale Berg Zoo in the Netherlands on June 8, 1967, when she was just one year old. She was first cared for at Dusit Zoo (Khao Din Wana) before being transferred to Khao Khiao Open Zoo on December 18, 2018. Over more than six decades, Mali has given birth to 14 offspring. She remains in good health under the care of veterinarians and caretakers, and may set a world record as the oldest hippopotamus ever.