Recorded in september 2011
Tiger Temple and Safaripark Open Zoo in Kanchanaburi, Thailand are marketed to tourists as refuges where animals are taken care of.
They are sold as popular tourist destinations at virtually all hotels, guest houses and travel agents in Bangkok, often in combination with a visit to the Floating Market and the River Kwai bridge.
However, the animals are malnurished, and refused proper veterinary care.
For many hours a day, they are tied up on display for tourists. The chains are so short that they cannot stand up completely and have almost no freedom to move.
The animals are made to pose for photographs.
If they are not cooperative, they are beaten into submission with bottles of water and other objects.
If you visit these "tourist destinations" you support the abuse of these animals.
Instead, do not visit Tiger Temple or Safaripark Open Zoo in Kanchanaburi.
If these tourist destinations are offered to you, complain to the travel agency about the treatment of these animals and decline to go there.
Tourists are allowed to photograph, touch and harrass the animals as they please, putting them under unnescessary stress.
This footage was recorded at Safaripark Open Zoo. We witnessed the situation at Tiger Temple to be identical but had no opportunity to make recordings.
Google "Tiger Temple Abuse" or "Kanchanaburi Abuse" to learn more.
You will find hundreds of websites with more information on the abuse of tigers, elephants, crocodiles and other animals in Thailand.
At National Geographic: Read here
For responsible tourist destinations in Thailand, google "Eco-Tourism Thailand".
You will find many options to have a wonderful vacation without harming animals or nature.
Enjoy Thailand.
It is worth it.
But do so responsibly...!