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Close encounters The Khao Khieo Open Zoo in Chon Buri, just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, seems a nice entertainment for children, although adults can join in the fun too, because there is also action after dark, and unlike the Night Safari in Chiang Mai here they can hand-feed the animals and feel their breathing which is sure to set their hearts racing. Following the expansion in 1992, the zoo now covers a sprawling 5,000 rai, so huge that to move around you need to board a vehicle, if long walks aren't your cup of tea. At the entrance are stalls selling food, fruits and vegetables for feeding the animals. The fun begins with Gibbon Island where three primates representing three species are in residence, surrounded by a pool which kind of ensures they will stay put as water is said to hold some fear for them. Next is Eld's Deer Park where children can play with the animals and offer food. The children's section is full of cute and tame animals. Here one can hear the bleating of goats and sheep, turtles basking in the sun and art students busy sketching the animals on their drawing boards. Next to it is the zoo's school, at the basement of which are cages sheltering exotic creatures like an anaconda lazing in water, while a white cobra, vipers and other poisonous snakes are kept in a transparent cage. The Aviary, covering five rai, opened in July 1983 with HM the Queen presiding over the opening. It has a landscaped garden, waterfall and a pond. Over 80 species of birds sheltered there can be admired along a walkway 800 metres long. The Natural Butterfly Park was a bit of a disappointment, as was the enclosure for salt-water crocodile, both with too few specimen on view. The high point was Cats Complex where avid visitors can compare a Thai tiger with a Siberian breed, the latter's white mein looked really attractive. The Canadian lynx, a native of colder climes, was a pleasant surprise. Its pen with transparent window panes was closed, which left us wondering if the temperature inside was controlled. Black cougar, leopard, cheetah and wild cats made up rest of the cast. The zoo holds animal shows several times a day. After dusk it turns completely different. The whole compound is pitch dark barring the starting point of the night safari, a 45-minute tram ride through various zones accompanied by a tour guide with running commentary. Animals seen earlier in the day seem even more fascinating under the glare of spotlight, like the antlered deer and porcupine that were out foraging for food. If lucky, you will spot birds perching on trees. The safari tour is a nice respite from heat during daytime. You can even get off the tram for a look at the cages of feline animals. Visitors will usually find the animals sound asleep since they have already supped and repaired for the day, which of course can be a bit of a disappointment, but still an experience hard not to cherish. MORE INFO Located in Si Racha, Chon Buri, Khao Khieo Open Zoo (038-298-270, 038-298-195, 038-298-188, http://www.kkopenzoo.com) is open daily. Self-drive tourists will find it more convenient visiting various animal zones. Otherwise, take the tram tour. Another choice is to rent a bicycle that are available inside the zoo compound. To enhance your experience, try the night safari that's available from 7 to 8pm. Overnight visitors have a choice of accommodation. The zoo has air-conditioned room with meeting facilities on a hill. A room for two persons starts from 800 baht which also includes night safari. Contact zoo officials for more details. Estate Camping Resort & Safari (02-730-0935, http://www.estateresort.com) is a newly-opened outfit that provides luxury tents for rent. It has 31 tents: willow tent for two persons, fir tents for four persons and crown villa tents. The rates range from 2,900 baht-12,000 baht per tent. |
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