World's tallest water buffalo King Kong is 'like a playful puppy' despite 6-ft height

By Vicki Newman
Published 10 February 2025
Water buffalo King Kong stood next to Cherpatt Wutti

This magnificent beast is King Kong – the world’s tallest living water buffalo.

The behemoth bovine, who lives at Ninlanee Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, measures 185 cm (6 ft 0.8 in) from the hoof to the withers.

He's about 50 cm taller than the average water buffalo.

But don’t let his gigantic stature fool you, he’s nothing but a big softy who loves splashing around in the pond, munching on bananas and playing with the humans who care for him.

His record-breaking height was apparent to farm owner Suchart Booncharoen pretty much from the moment he was born on 1 April 2021.

That is, of course, why he was named King Kong after the massive movie monster gorilla.

Cherpatt Wutti, who works at the farm where King Kong lives, told us: “We began to realize that his height was very high from when he was born, compared to other water buffalo.

King Kong with Cherpatt, left, and Suchart, right

King Kong with Cherpatt, left, and farm manager and breeder Jakkapong Krabaoklang, right

“It was clear from early on that his height was extraordinary.

“He is only three years old, but despite his young age he’s still very massive.”

Despite his big size, Cherpatt likens King Kong to a playful puppy.

King Kong standing next to a woman

She said: “He is very obedient. He loves to play around, he loves to be scratched, and running around with people.

“He is really friendly and it’s like having a big, powerful puppy on the farm.”

King Kong was born on Ninlanee Farm and his parents still live there, alongside many other water buffalo and horses.

King Kong being groomed

King Kong being fed bananas

It started out as a horse farm, but they’re now focussed on breeding water buffalo… and three-year-old King Kong is very popular.

Water buffalo have a very strong cultural and historical significance in Thailand.

They’ve played an important part in agriculture and transportation over the years.

King Kong being measured

King Kong having a bath

A normal day in King Kong’s life starts at 6 a.m. when he’s led out to the yard and given time to play in the pond.

He’s given a shower after that before having his breakfast served up.

He does his own thing until around 5:30 p.m. when he has a second shower and eats his dinner before getting tucked up in bed for the night.

King Kong standing between two women

He goes through about 35 kg of food per day and loves munching on straw and corn, as well as snacking on bananas.

“For me, I love everything that makes King Kong be King Kong – he is extraordinary,” Cherpatt said.

“His size, his personality.

King Kong with other water buffalo

King Kong with some of his water buffalo friends

“Everyone loves him.”

Wearing a shirt with King Kong’s picture on it, she added: “It is an incredible feeling for him to be the first water buffalo to get this record.

“It’s something I never could have imagined before.

“I’m very proud to be here in this moment because it’s really special.”