Phuket Zoo is located in the centre of the island, not far from the main city. Its setup is that of an older style zoo using concrete floored pits and enclosures to display the animals. There was a wide range of animals including tigers, elephants, monkeys, orangutans, otters, crocodiles and an aquarium. This last is actually the best section of the zoo. There are a number of shows including an elephants show and monkey show, both of which force the animals to perform unnatural behaviours. Tigers are out for photographs and appear to be chained in place from opening until closing.
Overview
4.2
Tourist Interactions?
Cages/Enclosures
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The living quarters comprised of two enclosures at an average of 8x10m and a night room/lock down of 2x3m
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No pond visible
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No water was visible in any of the enclosures
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No grass or natural vegetation
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No enrichment observed
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Caves and some platformed areas to climb
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Concrete flooring both in and outdoors
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Three newer enclosures to 2018 have vegetation, grass and natural areas
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Cub area - new to 2018 has three small 1x2 metre holding cages, large area complete with chain up spots, platforms and places for tourists to sit
Physical & Mental Health
Physical
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The tigers in enclosures seemed in good physical health
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One of the two tigers on display appeared fine physically, the other had signs of deformity - hunchback and bowlegs
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Water was provided to these two
Mental
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Tigers in enclosures have various levels of interactivity with some pacing in an unbreakable pattern with others interactive, chuffing and friendly
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Photo prop tigers were both unresponsive, restless and one was slightly aggressive towards the handler
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Cubs appeared lethargic and also unresponsive
What we are doing to help
At this time we are raising awareness for the situation of the captive tigers in Thailand through education of the public and through a number of different petitions.
Head to our Petition zone to see how you can help.