Phoebe especially loved all the big ‘cats’ at the zoo and the girls noticed The Tiger Kingdom advertisements that adorn nearly every tuk tuk and taxi we got into. It is probably one of the most visited ‘animal attractions’ in Chiang Mai – a testament to their very successful ad campaign. Tiger Kingdom is owned by a Thai MP and the contrast with the zoo is quite stark.

The signposting was almost excessive – and predominately in English – although not many Thai’s would be able to afford the exorbitant entrance prices. The grounds were beautifully maintained and enclosures tastefully and strongly constructed and very clean. The enclosures had pools with clean water, the walkways were spotless, the staff were well-spoken and polite, and most importantly the Tigers looked well-fed and very healthy  …but… and it is a big BUT – despite signs declaring it is ‘not a zoo’ I beg to differ.  They are kept in captivity hence it is a zoo.

It is a huge money spinner given that everyone is limited to 10 minutes in an enclosure and it certainly doesn’t feel natural – but on the other hand I’m not going to be patting one on the Serengeti anytime soon.  Tiger Kingdom was all about touching the tigers and unfortunately nothing was shared about the preservation or conservation of tigers, and no facts or anything of educational value so it is up to us to approach this as an opportunity to discuss the fairness of animals beings bred and kept in captivity for human interaction against having them run wild and only seeing them from a distance.  The pros and cons, the yin and yang, possible extinction versus breeding programs and preservation of species all come into it – another teachable moment.

Children under 12 can only go in with the baby tigers, so I went in with the girls.  David had to pay an entrance fee just to watch us with the baby tigers which was the same as paying to go in with the big tigers, so we in turn watched from outside the fencing.

And while I feel hypocritical to admit it – they were just amazing to see up close and to be able to run your fingers through their fur and play with the little ones like one would a kitten – it was a bittersweet experience.