Tiger World

Overview

Damnoen Saduak Tiger Zoo or Tiger World is situated just outside of Ratchaburi, not far from where two Department of National Parks government facilities are located. This is a relatively new facility, and even after three years of visiting, it is still poorly signposted with a lot of construction still in progress. The front entrance was only half built and there appears to be a skeleton crew of staff, most of whom spoke no English. Over the years, the construction has been continued as evidenced by piles of building materials lying around. There are never many guests on these visits. However, staff-tiger interaction remains one of the most positive seen by our researchers in the country.

4.8

Gallery

Detailed Info

Tourist Interactions?

Cages/Enclosures

Each cage was 4x4 metres
Each cage was barren
Only water available was out of a tap the tiger had to suck on
Most cages held one tiger, a few contained two
No enrichment in cages noted
There were four large enclosures in use
Each enclosure contained grass, trees, a large pond, shade and platform
Tigers appear to be rotated through the enclosures which is the only form of enrichment apart from human interaction

Physical & Mental Health

Physical

All the tigers were clearly severely inbred
Cross eyes, clubbed feet, short back syndrome, palsy and possible seizures were all noted
Some limping was noted
No water except from a small tap
Some cages were overcrowded with two tigers, too much for the small size of the cage

Mental

All tigers seemed well adjusted to people, none were scared or aggressive
Some pacing was noted in the older tigers, while younger ones showed a range of positive behaviours in the enclosures