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Tag: living conditions

  • Moo Deng’s Zoo Responds to Concerns Over Pygmy Hippo’s “Sad” Habitat

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    Originally appeared on E! Online

    Moo Deng‘s caretakers are addressing concerns over her welfare.

    Nearly two years after the pygmy hippo went viral, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand—where the animal resides— spoke out against recent “online comments about the cleanliness and living conditions of Nong Moo Deng.”

    “The images circulating on social media are likely animal droppings, a normal behavior for hippos who defecate in water or on land to mark their territory,” the institution clarified in a Thai statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) Feb. 16. “The zoo confirms that its keepers clean up animal waste every morning according to international animal welfare standards (WAZA).”

    The zoo also explained that Moo Deng’s habitat is often muddy “not due to neglect,” but rather “designed according to biological principles to allow the animal to exhibit instinctive behaviors and maintain healthy skin.”

    “Pygmy hippos require high humidity,” the establishment continued, sharing that they already have plans to build a habitat expansion to “accommodate 6 pygmy hippos and 7 great hippos, providing them with spacious and ecologically suitable living conditions.”

    More from E! Online

    However, the zoo added that they “will prioritize caution” for Moo Deng and other hippos amid the construction as loud noises “could cause them distress.”

    “The project will be planned in a step-by-step manner,” the statement read. “Khao Kheow Open Zoo affirms its commitment to developing beautiful and modern exhibit areas while maintaining animal welfare to the best of its ability.”

    Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

    Concerns regarding Moo Deng’s living conditions were sparked after conservationist Siranudh “Psi” Scott shared photos from the 19-month-old hippo’s pen, writing in Thai on X Feb. 14, “It’s really sad to see her like this.”

    “Even though she’s generated so much income,” he continued, “in the end, she’s just a business in the eyes of the people around her.”

    And while Scott said he was “not criticizing Moo Deng’s caretakers,” he emphasized, “Animals that are recognized worldwide and bring fame to the country should have a quality of life, space, safe environment and animal companions that are commensurate with the value they bring to us.”

    “The quality of life and rights of animals in cages are just as important as those of protected wild animals,” Scott added. “From my perspective, the two are not different.”

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  • Substandard rental conditions draw federal attention and push for change

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    Substandard rental conditions draw federal attention and push for change

    A federal watchdog may soon hold apartment complex owners accountable for allowing low-income renters to live in substandard conditions, following a push by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff.

    Ossoff, motivated by media reports, has garnered bipartisan support for an amendment that would require federal oversight of property owners who receive federal funding. This move aims to improve living conditions for tenants in federally funded housing.

    “These landlords are abusing their tenants – and they’re collecting federal dollars,” Ossoff said. “So we have to keep the attention on this and hold people accountable.”

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    A disabled tenant, whose name wasn’t share, lives at the apartment complex, formerly known as Creekside Forest in DeKalb County.

    Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes remembers doing stories on this complex back in 2016, when the county shut it down for unsanitary conditions.

    The tenant reported similar conditions, including a bathroom ceiling on the verge of collapse due to leaks.

    “I shouldn’t have to live like this; it’s unsanitary,” she told Fernandes.

    “My bathroom ceiling – it’s getting ready to collapse – from the upstairs it leaks down – it’s unsanitary. I complain and complain and nothing has been done about that,” the tenant said.

    “We do know that many of the entities in the chain of title for the last 10 years have all had a New Jersey, the same New Jersey address, which circumstantially that they’re at least related,” title attorney Doug McKillip said.

    Ossoff’s amendment seeks to address issues similar to those reported at the DeKalb County complex, where tenants have complained of mold and other hazardous conditions.

    A recent mold test in one unit showed 100% fungal growth in all bedrooms.

    “I don’t think much of this in metro Atlanta would’ve come to light without reporting from WSB … but these landlords are abusing their tenants – and they’re collecting federal dollars. So we have to keep the attention on this and hold people accountable,” Ossoff said.

    If passed into law, Ossoff’s amendment could significantly improve living conditions for low-income tenants by ensuring greater accountability for property owners receiving federal funds.

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