While browsing through a travel agency's catalog of tours, I noticed something new--a tour to the Tiger Temple. I read what the catalog said and decided it was something we wanted to experience. It seems that a few years ago a wounded tiger wandered into a temple in western Thailand. The elderly monk there treated the big cat and when the animal was well, it refused to leave the temple. Over a period of a few years other tigers were taken to the temple and left in the care of the monk. He seemed to have a mysterious calming effect on the wild animals and was able to treat them like house cats. People became fascinated with the "tamed" tigers and the monk welcomed visitors. After a while he realized that he was going to have to do something to provide a special home for his cats and he began to charge an admission fee. Work on "Tiger Island" has begun, but it will be many years before his dream will be finished. Now it is possible to visit with the tigers by walking alongside the original tiger as he takes his afternoon constitutional with the old monk. The tigers are led down into what is called Tiger Canyon where they are allowed to stretch out and rest while the visiting tourists take turns having their photos taken with them. Aside from the tigers there are wild pigs, cows, goats and even some horses on the temple grounds. The other animals wander around as you walk along the paths. It seems very strange, like being inside a zoo, but we didn't feel the slightest bit afraid while interacting with the tigers.
Click a picture to see a larger view.
The Entrance
An Employee Watching TV on Her Break
Sign Warning Visitors
Some of the Animals Running Wild in the Complex
We Meet the Tigers
The Tigers Are Taken to Tiger Canyon
Walking with the Tiger
Tiger Canyon
Posing with the Tigers
Leaving Tiger Canyon
Back at the Temple
