Phuket Zoo closes with a new life for rescued tigers at Phetchaburi’s WFFT

[webfact]

 

by Editor

 

Surya Tanthavevong, owner of the Phuket Zoo, said it was unlikely he would ever return to running the zoo, even if tourists returned in large numbers.  “Phuket Zoo is closed. We are now planting coconut trees in the area to change the use of the land.  The area of the former zoo was 30 rai [4.8 hectares]. We are turning the whole area into a coconut plantation,” Surya stated.

 

“There aren’t any animals left there. We’ve already found new homes for all the animals and will probably never go back to running the zoo again.  The Phuket Zoo had been operating since 1996. The main reason for its closure was the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We closed in 2020 and could not pay the bills due to lack of income from visiting tourists”, said the zoo owner.

 

Over the years, the zoo has gained a sad reputation among animal lovers around the world because of the conditions in which the animals were kept. Surya said he didn’t want to remember the past. “Let’s just adapt to the current situation”, he added.

 

The removal of the cages and demolition of the buildings came after the Friends of Wildlife Foundation of Thailand (WFFT), led by Edwin Wiek, successfully rescued 11 tigers and two bears from the zoo.

 

“All of them are now in our facilities. However, we have six more macaques and one gibbon to rescue, for which we need to raise funds, said Wiek.  “Right now, all the enclosures for the tigers are ready and open for the animals to explore, but we also need to build another enclosure in case some of them don’t get along together.

 

Now all the tigers live in four enclosures.”.

 

Preparations for the operation to rescue 11 tigers from the zoo, described as the largest ever in Thailand’s history, began earlier this year. Staff at WFFT, based in Phetchaburi, made two enclosures of 9 and 10 rai (1.44 and 1.6 hectares), each with ponds, trees and a place for the tigers to walk.

 

Celebrating the rescue of a 19-year-old Bengal tigress named Mukda, who was rescued by the foundation from Phuket Zoo last Sunday (June 13), Wiek said: “This is the first time Mukda has been outside in his natural habitat.

 

It’s a magical difference we make together! The life story of this Bengal tigress is a bit of a mystery, but we can only assume she was born in a zoo and only knew concrete cages. Just look how mesmerized she is by her newfound freedom.”

 

Mukda is one of three tigers safely rescued from Phuket Zoo earlier this month. The other two, Baitong and Mena, have also enthusiastically accepted their new home.

 

At WFFT, they have swimming pools to swim in, an area where they can hide, and extensive habitat where animals can re-learn their natural behavior and experience freedom, the wildlife organization said.

 

Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/06/phuket-zoo-closes-with-a-new-life-for-rescued-tigers-at-phetchaburis-wfft/

 

-- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-06-20

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Easiest way to own or rent a car in Thailand - click here to find out more!

[Peterphuket]

Well, Edwin, I don't understand all this animals are moving to your park, after all you yourself complained about a lack of income because of covid.

You have to feed 25 elephants already.

 

By the way, I think I'll just put a big fence around my house with all those tigers there.

Edited June 20, 2022 by Peterphuket

[Nip]

I recently visited the Zoo in the hills above Hua Hin. I was shocked at the condition of the animals and their enclosures. I contacted this rescue body twice by email and phone no response. 

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

“All of them are now in our facilities. However, we have six more macaques and one gibbon to rescue, for which we need to raise funds, said Wiek.  “Right now, all the enclosures for the tigers are ready and open for the animals to explore, but we also need to build another enclosure in case some of them don’t get along together.

Out of the frying pan into the fire.... rescued my ar$e

[LivinginKata]

Phuket Zoo was reputed to be a disgrace over many years. To be honest as have no eyes on input as i refused to pay money to find out. I am grad its finished. Like the dolphin show next door. Singapore Zoo Park is the way to show animals as best as possible in nature.

[Peterphuket]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Out of the frying pan into the fire.... rescued my ar$e

Have you ever been there?

I must admit all the years (more than 10) he always tries his best but now there is a big shortage of money.

I see a truck with volunteers driving by here every day with food to feed those 25 elephants, among other things.

It is a very large park with many animals.

[hotchilli]

40 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

Have you ever been there?

I must admit all the years (more than 10) he always tries his best but now there is a big shortage of money.

I see a truck with volunteers driving by here every day with food to feed those 25 elephants, among other things.

It is a very large park with many animals.

That he can't run properly.

He has neither the funds nor the ability to run such a place.

It has nothing to do with animal welfare, just another business, a very poorly run business.

[xylophone]

1 hour ago, LivinginKata said:

Phuket Zoo was reputed to be a disgrace over many years.

I can assure you that Phuket zoo was an absolute disgrace, and I have visited it twice, with the second time being at the behest of my daughter, although I wasn't keen on it, and it was just as disgusting as the last time, probably more so.

 

It should have been closed years ago and how anybody could look at the animals living in those conditions and not be concerned, is quite beyond me.

[Peterphuket]

15 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

That he can't run properly.

He has neither the funds nor the ability to run such a place.

It has nothing to do with animal welfare, just another business, a very poorly run business.

Before the covid episode, he got a lot of funds from international organizations, and believe me, I know him personally he has a lot to do with the well-being of the animals.

There is a fully equipped hospital, including with a vet. and an ambulance.

It's definitely not him for the money.

[madmitch]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

However, we have six more macaques and one gibbon to rescue

Won't they be keeping the macaques to farm the coconuts?????

Edited June 20, 2022 by madmitch

[beechbum]

2 hours ago, LivinginKata said:

Phuket Zoo was reputed to be a disgrace over many years. To be honest as have no eyes on input as i refused to pay money to find out. I am grad its finished. Like the dolphin show next door. Singapore Zoo Park is the way to show animals as best as possible in nature.

Gotta agree, Sgp zoo is amazing.

Went to the chalong zoo years ago, lasted 10 minutes and had to leave, one of the most depressing, sad places I've ever been.

I'm hoping the lack or Russians and Chinese will spell the end of the dolphin show.