Unlike most flamboyantly named locations, this one has real tigers and monks.
In 1999, the temple abbots claimed some villagers found an orphaned tiger cub and gave it to them. It died shortly after, but word of their wildlife compassion spread and soon more appeared on their doorstep.
Over the years 21 cubs have been born – with the total number of tigers around 12 adult tigers and 4 cubs when I was there.
Injured or orphaned wild boars, goats and deers are also taken in for care in their compound. Other than the tangerine robed monks, the place very closely resembles an open air zoo.
To mingle with the tigers however, you’ll need to pay 500 Baht.
Apparently the fees goes directly into the construction of a tiger sanctuary (the plans looks theme park-ish to me) as part of their greater “The Tiger Temple Forest Monastery” vision.
And MINGLE some did.
Reputedly the tigers having been raised by monks, are docile and no more harmless than a pussy cat. Fed on a diet of cooked chicken and cat food, they have never tasted blood nor hunted before.
This gutsy bloke even ventured as far as playing with the cub’s teeth.
Well tasty people like me is probably better off just strolling beside it. Next to the security of the head abbot of the temple, whom the cats noticeably listen to.
We all walked to a manmade canyon-like location where for more money you can have a closeup photo with the tiger of your choice.
It’s an offer that neither Western nor Asian tourists could resist.
To be honest, I can’t figure out why they’re so tame. I figured it’s either, they’re tranquilized (suspicious constant supply of bottled water) or it’s just the lazy time of the day after a full meal.
Maybe it’s really the mysterious calming aura of Theravada Buddhism monks’ chanting and meditation.
AHA! Caught the monk refraining this tiger cub – it was glaring at and ready to pounce over these (stupidly clueless) piglets !!!
I’m pretty damn sure, this little pussy wanted some pork chop. Yummy.
