After hearing things such as the tigers are drugged or are probably killed after their time at the Kingdom, I did some research. I checked out the website, read reviews on Tiger Kingdom and also looked up general information on tigers.
According to the Tiger Kingdom website, the tigers are not drugged or tranquilized. They do not believe in using chains or any other form of animal abuse. The website also states that they have a partnership with Ubon Zoo, so the tigers either go there or to other zoos after leaving Tiger Kingdom. It also mentions that the tigers are so tame because they are bred at Tiger Kingdom, therefore hand reared and see humans as family. But of course, the website is going to have all positive information on it, which is also why I read reviews from people who have actually visited Tiger Kingdom.
The majority of the reviews and blogs I read regarding the morality of Tiger Kingdom, were all positive. After going to the attraction, seeing the tigers and how the staff interacted with them, they decided that it was a legit organization. The reviews stated that the tigers, especially the babies, were active and playing. The staff seemed to genuinely care for the tigers and only used a wooden stick to tap the tigers for bad behavior. The tigers seemed well taken care of and well fed.
Other information I found while doing general research on tigers is that tigers are lazy animals; comparing them to the domestic house cat. In the wild, tigers are only active while hunting for food; sleeping roughly 18-20 hours a day. At Tiger Kingdom the tigers are fed meat twice a day; therefore, they do not have to go on the prowl.
After discovering all of this information, I decided I wanted to check this place out. What I discovered, was exactly what the reviews stated. The younger, smaller tigers were more playful than the older, larger tigers. In fact, one baby tiger even tried to take a swat at my foot. Luckily, I'm quick as a ninja and got out of the way! A staff member was nearby and quickly responded moving the tiger away from me. The staffs only form of discipline was a small wooden stick, which I didn't even see used. They all seemed to care for the tigers and enjoy their job. Before even entering the smallest tiger's pen, we had to wash our hands and remove our shoes. They were also very adamant about not using the flash on your camera because it can be harmful to the tigers eyes. The tigers appeared to be taken very good care of. The larger tigers were very lazy, often just laying around. But when a staff member would shake a toy near it, the tiger came to life! The tigers would jump up to swat at the stick, ready to play. It reminded me of a domestic house cat. Tigers are also ticklish. If you scratch on its side, it will swat its tail! The tail is so massive. It could do some serious damage. The staff member who showed us around the largest tiger cage was quite a jokester. He asked us all where we were from. I obviously answered, "America". To which he replied, "You better be careful. Tigers like American meat! They like the white meat." Which I had to admit, was pretty funny.
It was such a cool experience to be so close to such a dangerous animal. The staff made sure that we never approached the tiger from the front or stroke its head. Even though these tigers have been hand reared and are used to humans, they are still wild animals and could attack.
The moral issue still arises though because Tiger Kingdom appears to be just a money-making business. Yes, the tigers are taken care of and will always have food, but they are not free. Tigers are wild animals meant to be in the wild, not hand reared for a tourist attraction. However, due to poaching and deforestation, tigers are endangered species. And even a tourist attraction, such as Tiger Kingdom, can help protect these amazing creatures to keep them from going extinct. Sadly though, they will never be able to be released into the wild.
I am glad I visited Tiger Kingdom. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and it really is amazing to be able to get so close to an animal you've only seen behind a cage at the zoo. I looked so small next to these enormous cats!
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