Tiger Temple

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By Trsmd


The Tiger Temple or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Thailand and has been a sanctuary for many endangered animals including several tigers that walk around freely once a day and can be petted by tourists. The temple received several tiger cubs where the mothers had been killed by poachers. As of 2007, over 21 cubs have been born at the temple and the total number of tigers is about 12 adult tigers and 4 cubs.

The proper name of the temple is NOT Tiger Temple, but there are live tigers at the temple.

The temple is in a reserve that is still being built (to my knowledge). I have not been there, but I have seen many photos. The tigers do not appear to be drugged or chained, but as a rule I avoid places that profit from making wild animals into side-shows. The visitors to the temple are allowed to touch and be photographed with the wild animals.

There is a Temple in Krabi Town, Krabi called Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple). There are no live tigers here, but there is a very healthy monkey population. This temple is beautiful with a large golden Buddha image on a hill top. The steps to the top of the hill are quite steep, but the view is magnificent.

Transport options:

From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi province :

Take a bus to Kanchanaburi from the Southern Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 3 hours and cost about 100 Baht.

From Kanchanburi bus station :

Take the bus number 8203 for Sai Yok and ask the driver to stop at the temple. The bus takes about 45 minutes to reach the temple and costs 25 Baht; from the bus stop at the temple follow the dirt road (1.5) km all the way to the front gate. The walk take about 30-40 minutes.

Or, take a taxi to the temple cost about 200-250 Baht, take about 30 minutes



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david  says:
15 months ago

With regards to the notorious Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, following complaints from tourists and volunteers about tigers being mistreated there, Care for the Wild International (CWI) undertook an intensive two year investigation. The CWI report reveals evidence of illegal wildlife trade, animal cruelty, false conservation claims and visitor safety risks at the Temple. You can read CWI’s report at:http://www.careforthewild.com/projects.asp?detail=

The press release - "Illegal tiger trade, cruelty and human health hazards at famous tourist destination":

http://www.careforthewild.com/files/tt_news_releas

This issue has widespread media coverage:

"Black market tigers linked to Thai Temple, Reports says"

National Geographic News, 20 June 2008:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/06/08

"Thai tiger temple a con job, says wildlife group"

The Straits Times, 21 June 2008:

http://travel.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Stor

"UK wildlife group slams Tiger Temple"

Bangkok Post, 27 June 2008:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/270608_News/27Jun2008_n

"Danish tour operator boycotts well-known Thai tourist attraction"

ScandAsia Denmark, 7 July 2008:

http://www.scandasia.com/viewNews.php?coun_code=dk

Canada: CBC National News, 9 July 2008:

http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2008/200807/20080709.

"Danes join boycott of tiger temple"

The Nation, 11 July 2008

http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/07/11/politics/po

"New report says Thai Temple misleads visitors, abuses tigers"

Ethical Traveller, July 2008:

http://www.ethicaltraveler.org/news_story.php?id=1

"Paradise Lost"

The Star, 15 July 2008

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2008/7/15/lifefocus/15

35960&sec=lifefocus

Spiegel article (in German):

http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/natur/0,1518,56

Additionally, Animal Planet TV channel have now dropped their programme on the Temple.

Trsmd profile image

Trsmd  says:
15 months ago

Thanks david for sharing so many links..

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