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
Tourist Interactions?
Cages/Enclosures
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Each cage was 4x4 metres
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Each cage was barren
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Only water available was out of a tap the tiger had to suck on
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Most cages held one tiger, a few contained two
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No enrichment in cages noted
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There were four large enclosures in use
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Each enclosure contained grass, trees, a large pond, shade and platform
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Tigers appear to be rotated through the enclosures which is the only form of enrichment apart from human interaction
Physical & Mental Health
Physical
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All the tigers were clearly severely inbred
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Cross eyes, clubbed feet, short back syndrome, palsy and possible seizures were all noted
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Some limping was noted
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No water except from a small tap
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Some cages were overcrowded with two tigers, too much for the small size of the cage
Mental
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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
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.