Pattaya's Animal Kingdom

As a species, we humans are the only one on the planet that have the capability to intentionally or even unintentionally wipe out complete species of other animal life forms that share this 'little green 3rd rock from the sun' with us. We are also the only life form that cares for, nurtures and shows concern for the existence and survival of other animals and indeed the survival of animal species, although some would argue that we aren't doing such a crash hot job of that of late. There are many arguments to the ideals of whether we should or should not capture, study and scrutinize other animal species, however in these times where knowledge is power, and the jungles are all disappearing to make way for highways and housing estates, the reality is that some species just simply will not nor would not survive if it were not for the proactive intervention of those passionate individuals that truly care for the inhabitants of our wild kingdom around us.

One such individual who left our planet recently was Steve Irwin from Queensland, Australia who passed away after being stung by a Stingray last month. His unique ability to bring conversation issues to the forefront of our consciousness through education and entertainment will surely be missed.

Here in Thailand, these lands have a rich and colourful history of an abundance of flora and fauna in what has always been a 'Garden of Eden' of sorts. Where the jungles at the north flourished with exotic wildlife and the central alluvial plains laid their fertile expanses open to all that would co-habitate, to the rich marine life and unique local species of mammals and reptiles in the south and south east that make up an incredible diversity of ecosystems. This all proliferated with abundance in Thailand's expanse, until of course came the onset of humans...

Mankind has had a meteoric rise and effect on it's surroundings and ecosystem and even though we are the only species that have the ability of being aware of the ramifications of our actions, we are still a long way short of placing the importance of such consciousness in the mainstream of education and social consciousness. One of the ways our societies have developed education and awareness about animals, the wild, and the real ecosystem that exists outside of our housing estates, is within the existence of wildlife parks and what one might call the traditional zoo.

Now the animal enthusiast will probably show great protest at the idea of animals being caged up in a zoo and not allowed to roam free, but these days a zoo is a long way from the concepts of days gone by. These days vast expanses of land and resources are allocated so as to be able to comfortably co-habitate the multitude of species as well as giving the visitors a chance to experience them in a real and personal way. Pattaya has many attractions and game reserves within its environs ranging from magnificent specialist resorts like the Horse Shoe Point Resort and Country Club with huge expanses of natural flora and fauna peppered with small sanctuaries and aviaries, along with the tiger zoo and crocodile farms which tend to be along the more antiquated 'old fashioned cages' style establishments. But then the eco-tourist can sample some world class sanctuaries that do justice to mankind's advancement of caring for, and co-habitating with the local exotic and in some cases the almost extinct species of animals such as Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, the Saithip Butterfly Gardens and the breathtaking Khao Keow Zoo and animal sanctuary.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is found some 15 minutes South East of Pattaya and you can either drive there yourself by going along Sukhumvit rd towards Sattahip, or simply get one of the numerous shuttles that depart from the array of travel agents and hotels in town. Nong Nooch Gardens are simply spectacular. Two man-made lakes and more than 500 acres of exquisitely manicured gardens, including gardens dedicated to bonsai, cactus, palms and a hothouse for orchids and ferns, make this one of the most attractive tourist resorts in or around Pattaya.

For animal lovers and those that would like to experience Thailand's magnificent native animals, you can see them all here. From Monkeys and tigers that you can get up-close-and -personal with, to the awesome Elephants and a magnificent array of birds that fill the expansive aviaries. Visitors have a plethora of choices when it comes to the restaurants, where traditional Thai food, including special recipes from north-eastern Thailand, as well as Chinese, Korean, seafood and western cuisines are featured. However one is just simply impressed by the magnificently manicured surroundings to which great attention has been paid, and to that same attention and care that has gone into creating a beautiful home for the wildlife there.

If you venture out towards Bangpra reservoir, you'll find another new comer to Pattaya's Eco-tourist destinations, and that is the Saithip Butterfly Garden. Just go along the Bangkok and follow the signs from Bangpra Golf course to Khao Kheow where you'll find this picturesque 16 acres of man-made lakes and gardens. Here you will get to experience and view over 100 species of butterflies in what is Asia's biggest butterfly garden. Legend in Thailand have it that the butterflies are indeed transformed spirits and others call them angels from heaven, however if you have ever wondered about these magnificent creatures and have only ever really seen their magnificent colours and varieties in books, you should do yourself a favour and experience them here in person.

The estate is well catered with 2 restaurants and facilities. There is a museum which boasts the most comprehensive display of the full range of species and varieties for those with a yearn for a deeper knowledge. These magnificent creatures surely exhibit a magnificent metamorphosis which can be witnessed here at the gardens and is one of the few places you can see this wonderful aspect of nature up close.

Near by the Butterfly garden is the must-see attraction of the "Khao Kheow Open Zoo" and is less than 30 min. drive from the centre of Pattaya, built on a massive 1200 acres of lush mountain hillside (from this comes the name "Khao Kheow" or Green Mountain). Khao Kheow uses an "Open Zoo" format of modern animal sanctuaries that permits most of the animals to roam around freely, using a unique "In-Floor" fencing system, restricting the animals to their allocated areas. Visitors can explore the whole domain safely without restriction, and this can be on foot or with the Zoo's unique "Auto-Tram" transport. Animals that are considered a security risk for visitors are kept behind enclosures, easily viewable from the footpads and the specially installed shaded viewing points.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is both a day-time and evening adventure, as their extremely popular Night Safari brings visitors from everywhere to enjoy and experience the wonders of the wildlife at night. The Night Safari tour program begins with a delicious Thai buffet and afterwards, you embark on a journey into the night to a natural setting that will feast eyes and invoke interest and excitement. The comfortable auto-tram, seats up to 70 passengers, along with a zoo guide takes you on a guided tour of the animal kingdom in the dark. Throughout the 3.5 km or 45 minute tour, you will learn all about the nocturnal behaviour of all the animals and how they forage for food and hunt and survive. Each has a different style of nocturnal behaviour and each has a wonderful story of their own, capably explained by the guides that take you through the park. Some of the unique animals, you will encounter in Zoo are: Thailand's brown and black bears, Bengal tigers, Asian panthers, red buffalos, Thai elephants plus many groups of endangered Asian and Thai animals.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is also host to a splendid array of edu-participation features for Kids. The very popular Children's Zoo features small animals and ecological systems exhibited in an environment designed to stimulate learning in children, a place where they can feel comfortable and appreciate nature and the wild life. It also features an educational exhibition for children with a classroom with a seating capacity of 50-80 kids, along with small animals for children to interact with, zoo instructors to guide and teach children about animals, animal feeding sessions and specialized lessons on how to prepare and look after the animals.

Spread over the huge expanse of Khao Kheow are also many small restaurants selling food, ranging from fast-food, snacks to complete meals including cold drinks and beer. The Zoo also boasts a 5 acre walk-through aviary and 2,000 acres of animal wild life sanctuary where people can witness over a hundred species of birds interact in their daily life. Zoo Art is a unique way to encourage people to channel their inspiration and appreciation of nature and wild life into the arts. Kids and adults are encouraged to translate what they learn at the Zoo School into an art form, such as the clay sculptures or paintings etc. Quite simply it will take you many many days to truly explore the expanses and features of this wildlife park of over 8,000 species of animal. However if you choose to do exactly this, you can, as the park has camping facilities and even more formal accommodation facilities for your pleasure.

The environment that sustains us humans as a species is a finely tuned and always in a delicate balance. Our mere existence is perhaps self defeating and certainly perilous to the longevity and survival of the other animal species of this planet in the ever shrinking wilderness. Will we eventually wipe them all out and in turn mark our own fate? Or will we learn to value and be conscious of them as surely as we are of ourselves? It will only be the sustained and encouraged development of education and awareness that will favour that argument and it is an encouraging notion to be able to report that there is an abundance of eco-sensitive and eco-education attractions around Pattaya. To be responsible landlords that we have now no doubt become, we owe it to ourselves, the planet and indeed the future generations of people, to further the awareness, care and conscientiousness for the environment and the beautiful and magnificent creatures that inhabit it.