While the lion may be king of beasts in Africa, the tiger rules the jungles of Asia. Outside of the wilds, these majestic cats, along with various other types of animals, can also be sighted at Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Pattaya, Thailand.
Location
Sriracha Tiger Zoo is approximately 60 miles from Bangkok and is only a 30-minute drive away from the city of Pattaya in Thailand’s Chonburi Province. Its full address is 341 Moo 3, Highway 7, Km 20, Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi 20110.
What to See There
Covering more than 100 acres of land, Sriracha Tiger Zoo boasts of approximately 200 Bengal tigers, as well as around 100,000 crocodiles, and other animals such as pigs, deer, camels, ostriches, wallabies, elephants and more. Guests to the zoo get the opportunity to observe the behaviors of these animals, get up close to them to feed them, and even the chance to have their pictures taken with the tiger cubs, baby crocodiles and others. A unique sight that can perhaps only be seen in the park is that of a pig who nourishes some tiger cubs along with her own piglets with her milk. Even more unusual is the sight of piglets wearing tiger skin snuggling up to an adult tiger. So interesting are these images that they have gone on to become popular Internet memes.
The zoo also hosts a Crocodile Hatching Festival held from May to August, wherein visitors can witness several baby crocodiles hatch out of their eggs right before their very eyes. There is also a circus show where trained tigers, crocodiles and elephants get to show off their amazing talents for the crowd’s entertainment. Another odd attraction is the Scorpion Queen, a woman who covers her body with 100 live scorpions. Not to be outdone, the pigs put on a show of their own with the pig races and Piggy, the mathematical genius who is able to make calculations in 5 languages. Those looking to get a bit of sight seeing can take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s beautiful tropical garden, or pay a visit to the fascinating Elephant Museum, a representation of these gentle giants’ place in Thai culture.
Cost
The entrance fee into Sriracha Tiger Zoo is 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children.
Other Info
Sriracha Tiger Zoo is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They can be contacted by phone at +66 (0) 3829 6556 to 8, through fax at +66 (0) 3829 6559, or via e-mail at srirachatigerzoo@hotmail.com. They can also be reached at their Bangkok office through the telephone numbers +66 (0) 2934 6676 and (0) 2934 7841, by fax at +66 (0) 2934 6259, or by e-mail at tigerzoobkk@hotmail.com. Sriracha Tiger Zoo’s official website is www.tigerzoo.com.
