Whenever we travel and go for destination holidays, we make sure to seek unique and unforgettable experiences. And that’s what brought me to Tiger Park Pattaya. This park is not immune to criticism, just like other wildlife attractions, and it is fascinating for animal enthusiasts to learn more about these lovely wild creations of nature. With Tiger Park Pattaya admission fee of ฿320, I entered an unknown territory where humans are no longer the dominants. After spending 2 hours or so at the park, here is my personal take on it!
Roaring Adventure! But Should You Visit Tiger Park Pattaya?
Ticket Pricing And Opening Hours
The Tiger Park in Pattaya ticket price starts at ฿320 and goes all the way up to ฿4520, depending on which package you choose. These are various interactive packages where you can choose to interact with large tigers, medium-sized ones, or babies. Of all, newborn tigers are preferred by most, thus, the ticket price is also high.
The interaction time lasts for about 10 minutes, but believe me, it’s more than enough! After all, you wouldn’t want to disturb the large canines while they bake in the sun and lie around! The tour to Pattaya Tiger Park begins at 09:00 am, and the last entry is till 06:00 pm. Beyond that, no one is allowed. I booked my tickets from one of the DMC in Thailand.
Variety Of Animals & Interactive Experiences
Here is a quick summary. There are the smallest and small tigers who run around you playfully. You can interact with them for 10–15 minutes. Visitors are allowed to feed newborn tigers with milk bottles. However, no one, except the trainers, is allowed to feed larger ones due to safety concerns.
The Pattaya Tiger Park tour consists of more than one interaction so that you can choose between various sizes of animals you find comfortable with. While interacting with large species, it is instructed not to touch their belly and paws or go in front of their face. Also, never face your back to the tiger. They will attack due to their natural instinct.
Safety Precautions & Ethical Considerations
I followed all the safety rules that were in the guide and listed by the park authorities. It is not recommended to grab the tiger’s attention, tease them, or make noise to bother them. That’s not just rude, but also a violation of animal rights.
Controversy Surrounding Tour To Pattaya Tiger Park
Almost every man-made enclosure has some level of controversy surrounding it. My tour to Pattaya Tiger Park was no exception either. Some ‘sources’ say animals are drugged, some say they are sedated, some say they are not fed properly, and the list goes on! But what is the reality?
Are They Drugged or Sedated?
Here is what I saw!
Entering the Pattaya Tiger Park tour, I noticed a pathway made for people to walk around, take a look at the park, and see various animals. Yes, there are other animals like lions, leopards, bears, monkeys, prey birds [like eagles, owls, etc.], and various other reptiles.
Some tiger cages were small, while the other were large with greenery. What I saw was that there were 4 tigers sitting in a small cage, but that cage was opened inwards towards a larger space. So, clearly, they were hanging out. I have seen in documentaries that tigers usually hang out with each other when not hunting.
And no, they are not drugged. That’s usually the way they are. If you have watched wildlife documentaries, you know tigers are nocturnal and hunt during the night. In the wild, tigers are observed to be sleeping around for 16 to 20 hours a day. In the morning, they just hang around in the shade or over trees’ thick branches! And yes, they can climb. These big cats like a cool or shaded spot to rest.
They may seem lazy, but this behavior is crucial for their survival!
You can see them moving. However, it is advised not to grab their attention, click flash from cameras, or feed them. If tempted, no barricade is strong enough to stop them. So, take precautions all the time while you are at the park.
There is also a safari, which goes through various enclosures [just like the Jurassic Park movies] into their dens. You can watch them moving, sitting, yawning, lying on grass, or swimming. They love it! You will be briefed about safety measures before the tour.
Also Read: Family Day Out At Floating Market Pattaya: Activities For All Ages
Personal Experience & Overall Impression
Personally, on the one hand, it seems ridiculous to cage these majestic creatures and run a park, but on the other hand, they do need conservation, a safe space to lay down and unwind, just like us. Since they were not raised by their mother, surviving the wild is no longer an option for them. Overall, it feels so overwhelming.
So, Is The Pattaya Tiger Park Tour Worth It?
When you visit Tiger Park, no doubt you are paying for the park, but you are also paying for these animals – their care, food, and other needs. The park assures they take care of their animals, provide them timely feed and medical attention. And all this requires money.
You must know that these animals can’t be released in the wild, just like that! It’s not how nature works. Tigers are not trained by birth. It’s their mother who teaches them how to hunt and survive, and without those skills they won’t last in the jungle.
But I will leave the last decision up to you.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my visit to Tiger Park, Pattaya, I am left with lasting memories of stunning wildlife and a thrilling encounter I had with them. Surely, they deserve every bit of space and place on this planet. On a positive note, I would say by visiting them, I learned a lot about them and a bit about humans as well. If you are an animal lover [not those fake Instagram ones], I think you will appreciate the park's efforts in keeping them roaring on the planet.
FAQs
Q1. How Much Is Tiger Park Pattaya Admission Fee?
Ans. The Tiger Park in Pattaya ticket price starts at ฿320 and goes up to ฿4520, depending on how many tigers you want to interact with. To book for Thailand tour tickets, you can contact TNG Holidays at +66 90245 1584.
Q2. Are Tiger Park Pattaya Animals Drugged?
Ans. No, the tigers are not drugged. They are familiar with human interaction since birth. Thus, they don't see us as a potential threat. However, you must follow all precautions as these are wild animals and can attack if they feel threatened.
Q3. How Does Tiger Park Pattaya Contribute To Tiger Conservation Efforts?
Ans. They run various educational programs, breeding programs, habitat preservation, and research and collaboration with wildlife experts to share insights and develop strategies for tiger conservation.
Q4. Is It Safe To Interact With Tigers At Tiger Park Pattaya?
Ans. All staff at Pattaya Tiger Park take precautions to ensure visitors are safe during interactions, yet there is always a degree of risk associated with being close to wild animals. So, follow all the park's rules & guidelines and be cautious all the time.
Q5. Are The Tigers At Tiger Park Pattaya Well-Cared For?
Ans. The park ensures that all tigers live in clean, spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. They receive around-the-clock attention and veterinary care to ensure their health & well-being. The park complies with international standards set by CITES for animal welfare.
However, animal welfare groups have raised concerns about treatment and living conditions. Research before supporting. Visitors are encouraged to research and make informed decisions before supporting such attractions.
Q6. Can I Take Photos With The Tigers At Tiger Park Pattaya?
Ans. Yes, you can take pictures with animals. There are even professional photographers who will click pictures while you pose with the animal. When interacting, avoid any behavior that provokes tigers or teases them for pictures.
