#indobackpacker

Every year, tons of people visit Thailand as tourists. Many of those tourists want to experience the easy-attainable exotic animals that inhabit the country. Tour companies boast elephant treks, monkey sighting excursions and even opportunities to lie with tigers. As with any tourist draws, there is a downside. 

Let me tell you a story...

It was a bright shiny day in Chiang Mai, Thailand filled with infinite options of things to see and experience. In a rackety tuk-tuk, I made my way to the Tiger Kingdom. My mind was filled with vision of tigers lounging on the grass, freely roaming. I imagined myself as Princess Jasmine and her tiger companion Raja. Upon arrival, the compound seemed pretty upstanding featuring large placards with information on the company and their supposed lack of animal mistreatment. The numerous signs read things like, “Tigers don’t need drugs” and “we don’t drug our animals”. For a mere 2000 baht ($60USD), I gained entry to visit with baby tigers, small tigers, medium tigers, as well as the giants. My anticipation grew as I stepped inside the gates of the park. I was immediately shocked at how small the park was. The “kingdom” contained around 9 caged areas that could have only been 20ft by 40ft wide. With “Princess Jasmine” fantasies running through my head, my first stop was the big tigers. Without an explanation, the handler at the gate lets me into the the cage. Warily hugging the side of the fence, I make my way to the colossal tiger. He seems so unfazed, so unaffected by my presence. I step closer as I reach my hand out to touch his glorious coat. He doesn't even flinch. I imagine the beasts become immune to the constant buzz of visitors and adapt to their captive lifestyle, however this tiger barely even seemed conscious.  The handler even allows me to lie beside him to snap a photo. While petting him, I saw something odd on the back of his neck… An obvious injection spot with multiple scars and weathered skin. The spot was even shaved, I assume for easy and repeated access. The remainder of my time at the park, I visited the other aged tigers. Aside from the squealing baby tigers, the others appeared despondent as well. I’m not a zoologist or animal behavioralist, but I imagine tigers with a more lively and playful spirit. These tigers had no spirit to speak of. In all reality, this wasn't a tiger “kingdom”, it was a tiger jail.

After leaving the park, I felt guilty. I had given a lot of money to a company that, as far as I could see, was indeed drugging their tigers. The sinking feeling that I’m helping to perpetuate an industry which mistreats animals for mass profit. Needless to say, I haven’t done anything like it since. 

Read More About Tigers <---

Elephants are mistreated by tourism companies; they are overworked, bear too much weight, beaten, and on occasion die from riding related illnesses. I won’t sit here and pretend like I’m an expert on elephant mistreatment in SE Asia, but I can refer you to some articles on the subject. 

Read More About Elephants <---

Read Even More About Elephants <---

Money can often mean power, so vote with your dollar wisely. Don’t support irresponsible eco-tourism companies by giving them your money.

Instead, I urge you to experience the beauty of eco-tourism through more reputable companies, like these:

Reputable Elephant Sanctuaries <---