Tiger Kingdom - Mae-Rim Chiang Mai Thailand

The Tiger Kingdom is fairly new and under development so please do not expect great expanses of land and free roaming Tigers.

But well worth a visit, we spent quite some time there as invited guests asking quite a lot of questions about the facility, unfortunately I have lost my notes and can not give you any specific facts about this growing Tiger Kingdom just minutes from Chiang Mai town.

Our first viewing were two beautiful Lion Cubs about three months old, looking a bit sleepy as babies often are, Nom quickly snuggled in beside them and made friends in an instant although to be honest I think this was a little one sided!

Just across from the lion pen was the BIGGEST TIGER I have ever seen, I am 6’1” this guy made me look small, I tied to have a good conversation but I guess being a hot day told me in a great Roar to go away politely.

Moving on we went into the caged area and played for a while with some very interested youngsters, Tan our photographer was shaking at the knees but they were gentle as lambs with the staff being on hand close-by just in case. Then on to the large caged area with the swimming pools, these fabulous animals just loved the water and played and played chasing balls and jumping up at the poles with hanging foliage bounced around by the trainers, obviously very happy and well cared for.

I seem to remember as a point of interest that the Tigers are fed about 2 kilo’s of chicken every day and are not fed red meat as I am told this can make them aggressive.

The compound is very clean and they have a vet that comes from Chaing Mai Zoo each week to check the tigers and they are checked each day by staff. Although the enclosures were smallish for the big cats there were also areas where they could play in the water and roam around. Every tiger looked healthy and happy.

Would I take one home – sure, but my garden is a little on the small side.

There are also some Camels in an enclosure but I have to say they didn’t do a lot for me so I sat back and enjoyed a Mango ice cream with some lemon tea.

Not a major attraction but well worth a visit if only for the photographs, don’t forget your camera!