Khao Kheow Zoo is preparing a birthday celebration for a hippopotamus named Mae Mali. This hippo holds the title of the oldest living hippo in captivity.
“Mae Mali” translates to “Mother Jasmine” in Thai. Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoi announced that Mae Mali will turn 61 years old on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
A celebration will be held that day at 9:30 AM local time in the hippo enclosure area of the zoo. Khao Kheow Open Zoo is located in Si Racha District, Chon Buri, according to The Thaiger (Sunday, September 6, 2026).
What’s Planned for the Celebration
Visitors can enjoy an exhibition telling Mae Mali’s life story, games with souvenir prizes, and the chance to write a birthday card with a personal message for her.
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of a large fruit cake for Mae Mali, followed by a rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung together by staff, visitors, and her fans.
The zoo has invited tourists and fans alike to join the celebration and share their well-wishes for the hippo. Mae Mali has long been a beloved star among visitors at Khao Kheow.
Mae Mali’s Long Journey
Mae Mali was born on September 8, 1965, at the Cologne Zoo in Germany. She was later moved to the Netherlands, and eventually to the Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1967.
She was transferred to Khao Kheow Open Zoo after the animals from Dusit Zoo were relocated to various locations across the country in 2018.
Last year, she celebrated her 60th birthday with a three-day festival at the zoo.
