Grabbing my bucket list notebook, I can finally tick off this dream of hugging a big cat. Back in 2018, we finally went on living the dream of getting near the wild beasts at Tiger Park in Pattaya, Thailand. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Although it was pretty scary at the beginning, the team of handlers made us feel comfortable to get near these magnificent cats which were looking healthy and active!
Exposing animal abuse at Sriracha Tiger Zoo and Million Years Stone Park
However, after the trip, I was able to read some articles regarding tigers being held in captivity for growing market in Thailand. Although this is not pertaining Tiger Park, there were investigations made on the tiger entertainment industries in Thailand which exposed the true scale of animal abuse. Two of which hitting the top spot were Sriracha Tiger Zoo and Million Years Stone Park.
According to BBC documentary, at the Sriracha Tiger zoo, cubs kept in small cages are seen being passed from lap to lap for tourist photos. Meanwhile, at the Million Years Stone Park, chained-up adult tigers are poked and prodded with sticks until they roar. That’s why they were famous for the “roaring tiger selfie”. Adult tigers were chained around their necks on a platform as a seemingly endless stream of tourists took turns to take photos with them.
Tiger Park claims to be a safe natural environment for tigers
Tiger Park claims that they are not a tiger farm which grows tigers for sale and exchange of their parts. They also believe that they promote an environment where tigers and humans can live harmoniously together. The tigers are brought up by and with people. Since birth, these tigers are trained by selected professionals.
Hugging the wild beasts at Tiger Park in Pattaya
Tiger Park in Pattaya has four sizes of tigers categorized according to their ages:
- Smallest tiger 2-5 months
- Small tiger 6-12 months
- Medium tiger 13-18 months
- Big tiger 19-36 months
The tigers were very used to humans. Contrary to what most people say, they are very laid back but they don’t seem to be drugged in any way. My cats at home spend about 20 hours sleeping every single day, and no, they aren’t drugged. Tigers are just big cats, right? When we went to Tiger Park in Pattaya, some of the tigers were very active and playful. Although they seem to be harmless, we were still very cautious because hey, they were so enormous that they could move from a gentle giant to a bloody one real quick! As much as possible, we tried not to upset them because they could easily blow us!
The place is super clean and did not exhibit any foul smell as what reports from other tiger parks said. The staff are accommodating, as well. There are places for you to enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch buffet. There was also a souvenir shop for you to visit.
By strictly following the rules of safety and hygience, this rare opportunity to safely get up close with these unsedated and unleashed big cats will surely delight you. Always remember to be responsible.
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Cha of Little Misadvencha is a Filipino Civil Engineer, researcher and a fur mom. She came from General Santos City and finds that everything in life teaches her a lesson. She is inspired to write about and out of her experiences, but later found out that it was her experiences that actually inspire her.
If the animals are living in cages and are used for touristic purposes, then this is animal abuse, no matter how clean their encounters are and how chilled back they seem. Tigers should be living in the wild and there are no excuses for businesses who pretend to be sanctuaries just to take people’s money. A baby tiger that grows up becomes another mouth to feed, and many of these tigers once they reach adulthood are killed because they cost more than they produce.
Looks like an amazing experience! Even though im not that brave i enjoyed your photos!
It is really amazing that you sit beside a tiger….. they are wild animals…. even don’t know how and when they react….. It might be much scary when you get closer…… although it seems like had much fun…. thanks for sharing
Ahhh this experience looks incredible. It’s my dream to go to Thailand.
This was an interesting read. I know that my view here has been coloured by the cruelty shown with a lot of the parks here in North America, but I definitely couldn’t support any of the options over here. They all talk the big talk, but they are more like the other locations that you described – it’s heartbreaking.
This looks like a great park but I am really afraid of tigers. I am even afraid of dogs and bees.
While tiger park may appear to be treating their animals well, the big question remains about the freedom of these animals. Why aren’t they allowed to live in a natural habitat when compared to being bred solely for the entertainment of humans? I have my reservations.
I love animals. I would love to visit this place someday and have this amazing experience myself. Thanks for sharing
Wow! I’m not sure I would be able to approach a tiger and touch it. I would be too worried that it might want to take a bite out of me.