Songkla Zoo
Overview
8.6
Songkla Zoo is one of seven facilties run by the Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO). This facility is located in Songkla near Hat Yai in one of the southern provinces. The zoo contains a wide variety of different species, each with their own large, species-specific enclosure. Animals around the zoo all appeared at ease, comfortable in their surroundings. The tigers, at least some of them, were Indo-Chinese and appear to be in a breeding programme - staff informed researchers on the first visit that there were 14 Indo-Chinese tigers. However, the second enclosure holds a female white Bengal tiger, which does go against conservation beliefs.
Tourist Interactions?
Cages/Enclosures
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Large enclosures with natural vegetation
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Large moat in each that served as both barrier and pond
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Plenty of places to hide
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Enrichment in the form of toys, rope and feeding poles
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Cave and platform areas to climb
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Natural substrate
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No information on night rooms/lock down areas
Physical & Mental Health
Physical
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Body condition - good
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Physically fit as evidenced by tigers climbing the feeding pole
Mental
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Tigers were interactive with each other
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Showed interest in their surroundings
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Not much pacing observed, but rather territorial marking and other natural behaviours
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Showed playful, alert, relaxed behaviour
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.
