Tiger Temple

I went here last month and it was one of the best days I’ve ever had. The animals were clearly VERY happy and well taken care of (100% sure the ones I saw were not drugged, see: http://www.youtube.com/user/linedspaces) but with enough safety precautions and assistance in place to make visiting convenient and relatively carefree. Everyone I talked to who was working, living or volunteering at the temple was very friendly.

I would certainly recommend going as early in the day as possible, especially as getting there can be difficult. It’s also worth it to do as many of the additional programs as possible (ex. bottle feeding the tiger cubs, staying behind after the general closing time to watch the biggest of the cats being exercised and playing together, etc.)

This is also a really great photographic opportunity for anyone so inclined.

Lastly, don’t forget to wander around the area for a bit, to see all the other animals! They have much more than just tigers. :)

about 1 year ago

I think initially this started off all well and good, but about 2 years ago a Thai person was attacked by a tiger there and now have put lots of precautions into place. For instance all the tigers are tied up with a chain, they looked drugged (though I’m not a hundred percent certain they are). When you arrive one of the volunteers takes your camera and you by the hand, places you by the tiger, quickly takes a photo then moves on to another tiger, then to another, until you have photos of yourself with about 5 different tigers and then leads you out of the area, leaving you a bit disorientated, thinking ‘what exactly was this all about’ not having any time to think or appreciate the fact that you’ve just touched a tiger. When they lead the tigers back to their cages everyone is told to stand right back from the tigers and then after the last tiger is led out your allowed to take a picture of yourself walking back with that tiger.
This all seemed so unnatural, I felt very dissapointed by the way everything was done. I came here hoping to be amazed to see tigers roaming around not feeling bothered by us and happy to let you touch them. Instead I saw tigers moping around tied up by a dish of water having to have their photo taken with them every minute or so. over 6 years ago

Tigers! ♥♥♥

over 7 years ago