Explore Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Posted by Party Pete on June 17th, 2010 filed in Daytripping, Entertainment, just visiting

A popular attraction with nature lovers, Khao Kheow Open Zoo features an outstanding blend of forests, wild animals and birds. The zoo was sponsored by HM Queen Sirikit and has grown dramatically over the years.

One of the best things about this zoo is that the animals have plenty of space to roam about in. More like an animal sanctuary than an actual zoo, Khao Kheo covers an area of 5,000 rai and is home to more than 300 different species of animals, including rare white tigers. In fact, the zoo is famed for its successful breeding of endangered animals and projects include the breeding of the rare Clouded Leopard.

Other endangered animals that can be seen here include the Asian Wild Dog, Malayan Tapir and tiger, while endangered bird species include the Black Necked Stork and White Crested Laughing Thrush.

Many of the animals here are kept in extremely natural looking environments and a good example of this is the walk-though aviary, which has been built on a mountain slope. The children’s zoo also gives people the chance to interact with animals and learn all about them.

Another exciting feature is the night safari, which begins with a dinner buffet of delicious Thai cuisine. Next, visitors are taken on a guided 45-minute tram ride through natural habitats.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is just a 45-minute drive from Pattaya and can be found at 235 Moo 7, Tumbom Bang Phra, Umphur Sri Racha in Chonburi Province. Open from 08:00 until 18:00 each day, tickets cost just 50 baht for adults.