Chiang Mai Zoo Scraps Polar Bear Exhibition Plan

The Chiang Mai Zoo has announced the cancellation of its polar bear exhibition plan, citing concerns for the animal's well-being.

Director of the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, Pimuk Simaroj has commented on the Chiang Mai Zoo's plan to construct a 71-million baht arctic educational center which would exhibit various arctic wildlife including polar bears and penguins. The plan has been strongly opposed by some animal rights activists who have raised concerns about the animals' well-being.

Pimuk said that after thorough deliberation, the Zoological Park Organization has decided to cancel the plan to bring polar bears to Thailand, for fear of their inability to adapt to the artificial environment.

Pimuk added that cancelling the plan is in line with the organization's aim to preserve animals.

As for the arctic center, which has already been partially constructed, the zoo will find another appropriate function for it once everyone involved has been consulted. Initially, the center will continue to serve as an arctic educational facility, but without the polar bears.

He added that even though a polar bear exhibition could generate some publicity, it may also create a dispute, which could hurt tourism in Chiang Mai.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-07

Good decision.

Just change it's name to the 'Antarctic' educational facility. Then no one will detect the unmitigated cock-up.

Yes good decision now put money into upgrading the facilities for the unfortunate animals that are living in less than humane enclosures

Yes good decision now put money into upgrading the facilities for the unfortunate animals that are living in less than humane enclosures

Absolutely. I was there a week ago and walking past the Kangaroo enclosure caught sight of a single solitary animal that looked pretty depressed to me. Just staring off into the distance for long periods, occasionally shuffling a couple of feet before resuming its sad posture.

As it happened, it was feeding time and I asked the guy that was in there where the others were. He told me that the penultimate one had recently died. I asked why and he replied 'Kaow chorb rorn-rorn' (they like really hot weather). It was very sad to realize that the same fate awaits the last one standing.