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Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture)
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Agriculture
The Sriracha Tiger Zoo, located in Chonburi province, was historically a unique and controversial agro-industrial enterprise that blended wildlife tourism with large-scale animal husbandry. While primarily known to the public for its spectacular tiger and crocodile shows, the zoo functioned as a massive breeding facility for Bengal tigers and saltwater crocodiles. At its peak, it housed one of the largest populations of tigers in captivity worldwide. The facility also served as an economic hub for the trade of animal-related products and was a major employer in the Sriracha district. The zoo became famous for its 'cross-species' social experiments, such as sows nursing tiger cubs, which were a hallmark of its marketing. However, following the global pandemic and increasing scrutiny over animal welfare and international trade regulations, the zoo closed its doors in 2021, marking the end of an era for Thailand's traditional animal-based tourism industry.
- Location: Thailand
- Top sights: Black Panther · Cheetah · Indo-chinese Tiger
- Nearby: Chonburi (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 26 | 24 | 62 | 86 | 182 | 207 | 212 | 194 | 295 | 229 | 56 | 11 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Historically, this prominent facility operated not merely as an entertaining animal park but as a highly controversial economic enterprise focused on breeding and trading tigers and crocodiles.
Visiting
While the extensive commercial breeding operations were typically kept behind the scenes, the spacious public areas were accessible to visitors primarily in the capacity of a standard modern zoo.
Where to view it
The large enclosures and show arenas open to the general public provided direct, unobstructed viewing of the animals, though the true industrial scale of the breeding remained largely hidden away.
Local products
In the immediate vicinity of such commercial breeding facilities in Thailand, busy souvenir shops historically offered a wide array of merchandise directly related to the resident captive animals.
Active season
The facility typically saw its highest volume of overall activity and visitor footfall during the peak Thai tourist season, which conveniently falls in the much cooler and pleasantly drier months.
Nearby
Exploring the Si Racha area was often seamlessly and easily combined with day trips to the animated coastal city of Pattaya or essential culinary stops to sample the world-famous local chili sauce.
Geography
Facts
- At its peak, Sriracha Tiger Zoo housed over 400 Bengal tigers and 10,000 crocodiles.
- The facility was a major producer of crocodile leather and meat for the international market.
- It was famous for the 'Tiger Cub and Piglet' nursery, a major tourist draw.
- The zoo was established in 1997 and operated for nearly 24 years.
- It was one of the largest private tiger breeding facilities in the world.
- The zoo hosted an annual 'Crocodile Egg Breaking Festival' to celebrate new hatchlings.
- It was a major stop for international tour groups visiting Pattaya and Bangkok.
- The zoo's closure in 2021 led to the relocation of its animals to various wildlife sanctuaries.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture) (11)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the zoo good for families?
Yes, the zoo is geared towards animal shows and family entertainment.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays to avoid weekend tourist crowds.
How long does the visit take?
About three to four hours to see all the shows.
Is it far from Pattaya?
No, only about a 30-40 minute drive from Pattaya.
What is the main attraction?
Tiger shows and animal interaction opportunities.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture): where is it located?
Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture) is located in Thailand.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture): what is there to see?
Highlights include Black Panther, Cheetah, Indo-chinese Tiger.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo (Agriculture): why is it worth visiting?
The Sriracha Tiger Zoo, located in Chonburi province, was historically a unique and controversial agro-industrial enterprise that blended wildlife tourism with large-scale animal husbandry.
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