One of the largest theme parks in Thailand is Safari World, on the northern outskirts of Bangkok. According to their brochure it is "Thailand's greatest and most popular open zoo and show park". They also claim to have "world class shows" and an "oasis for animals" which is probably going a bit too far. It is certainly a great day out for the family and that is where I took Nong Grace yesterday as her school has now broken up for the summer holidays. As she is only four years old I didn't think she would survive the entire day. However I think I collapsed from exhaustion long before her. But, then she spent most of the day being pushed around in a stroller.
Safari World is split into two sections. Namely Safari Park and Marine Park. You don't actually have to visit both as there are separate tickets for each. However, a combined ticket costs 700 baht for foreign adults with another 200 baht for the boat ride which we didn't do. For an average sized family, that works out to be an expensive day out. We decided to first visit Safari Park which was probably the highlight. This is an open park area with hundreds of wild animals roaming around. If you don't have your own car like us then you can join coach tours. However, having your own transport means that you can take your time and stop anywhere to take pictures. You can also wind down your windows to get better pictures.
Nong Grace loved this area. It was a great opportunity to get up close to some of the animals. Though, after an incident with a group of ostriches that tried to eat the car she was a bit nervous about winding down the window. But, she enjoyed taking pictures of animals such as Zebras, camels, storks, rhino, giraffes, deer and bears. We then passed through double gates to the area where the tigers and lions lived. However, as it was quite hot they were lazing away in the shade of a distant tree so we couldn't get really close. These are mainly nocturnal animals so you would have to visit a night safari to see more action.
We then drove back to the main entrance where we parked the car and walked into the Marine Park. Here you can rent dolphin shaped strollers for young kids that cost 120 baht for four hours. This is when we realized that we had made a mistake by doing the Safari Park first as we had already missed the Orangutan Show that had started at 10.20 a.m. We were also late for the sea lion show which had started at 11 a.m. and was about to finish. I asked when the next show would be and they surprisingly said that there was only one showtime per day! For the bigger shows I could understand this, but surely for the smaller ones they could repeat throughout the day like at other parks. We next had the option of the Bird Show or the Cowboy Stunt Show that both started at 11.40 a.m. We opted for the bird show. To be honest I wasn't that impressed and I think the show I saw at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore was far superior. This was mainly in Thai, though a few times they spoke some pretty bad English in order to get some foreigners to hold up a 500 baht note for the bird to fly to and bring back to the show's host. Nong Grace enjoyed it though I was a little bored. When we finished she said she wanted to see the cowyboys but I had to tell her it was too late.
We next strolled around the park to visit some of the attractions while we waited for the Dolphin Show to start at 1.30 p.m. One of the first we visited was a new attraction called Mini World with many birds. The budgerigars here were very friendly. If you buy an exorbitant priced envelope of bird seed for 20 baht you could then easily attract the birds to your outstretched hand. You will soon find half a dozen birds on your hands, arms and shoulders. Nong Grace was a bit scared of this but she enjoyed the little birds. when we later went into the bird aviary the birds there were much larger and when they came swooping down at us it felt like we were on the set of Hitchcock's horror movie The birds. Take a look at the bird in the top left picture for an idea how scary this was. For obvious reasons we fled this deserted aviary as we feared for our lives. Though I am sure it wasn't really that dangerous. From here we went to see more animals such as monkeys, kangaroos, crocodiles and giant fish. Here we could buy food to feed the fish. Nong Grace enjoyed that though I wasn't happy the price was double compared to other parks.
Nong Grace was excited when she saw a poster advertising polar bears. But then she said, "polar bears like cold". Maybe someone should have told the park management that as the bears didn't look that happy. They had set up a fine mist to spray on them but it was doubtful it was having much effect. It is good that Thai children can get to see animals from around the world in real life, but it shouldn't be at the expense of the animal's health. Our next stop was the Safari Terrace which I think was my highlight. Here we went up a ramp which brought us to the same height as the giraffe's in the neighbouring Safari Park which we had toured earlier. For 40 baht, you can buy a small bucket of leaves to feed the giraffes. Luckily, Nong Grace didn't want to feed them, as this was quickly turning into an expensive day. We had just bought a bottle of water that was 100% more expensive than the regular price. So, we just sat there and watched a group of school children feed the giraffes. Nong Grace said she had never seen tongues so long.
Our next destination was the Beluga and Dolphin Show which started at 1.30 p.m. This was going to be the highlight for Nong Grace as she had never seen a dolphin before and was really excited to get a chance to see them jumping in and out of the water. The day before I had shown her a brochure for the park that showed the dolphins jumping through hoops, shaking "hands" with the trainers, and jumping up to hit a ball with their nose. Unfortunately, apart from swimming around the pool a few times we didn't get to see much action. The dolphins refused to cooperate and several times the trainers had to dive into the pool to retrieve the hoops and then the balls. It looked like this was then cut short and they brought in the next act which were the more cooperative beluga. These are small white whales. I am not sure how often this happens, but I must say the place is looking very rundown. The backdrop desperately needed a paint job. It is nice they have been adding new attractions, but they should spend time renovating some of the older and more established shows.
Our next show was Spy War which started at 2.30 p.m. Like all the shows, everything was in Thai. Which of course is strange as the foreigners are paying a lot extra. You would think they would cater for this market if that is where most of their money is coming from. However, as it was an action show based on James Bond it didn't really matter too much about the plot line. It was pretty thin anyway. Nong Grace sort of enjoyed it though she spent most of the time with her hands over her ears. The last show at 3.30 p.m. was more enjoyable for her. It was the elephant show. They did the usual stunts such as tightrope walking and playing football. She did like it but by this time she was starting to get a bit tired. I think Safari World is a good day out for the family if you are not too concerned about the costs. For me it was an expensive day out and we certainly won't be coming back in a rush even though Nong Grace said she wanted to come again. The shows certainly weren't world class and I don't think we got good value for money. Not only is the entrance fee expensive, but they take every opportunity to take more money from you. Like the 200 baht for the boat ride and the photo opportunities with the animals. I believe Singapore is cheaper as they don't have the two price system for foreigners.
From Bangkok you can join tours to Safari World. There are no direct buses, but you could try and catch a bus first to nearby Fashion Island shopping mall and from there maybe a taxi. From Samut Prakan, I drove on the outer ring road to Ram Intra Road and in total took me less than one hour. With the bad traffic in central Bangkok, it could take you much longer than that by bus. It is basically a full day of your holiday so you will have to decide whether it is worth it. My sister is coming to Thailand in July with her family and I doubt she will take them there. With four of them we will be looking for places with better value for money. I will talk about the planning for this trip later.
written by Maik Schaffer, April 12, 2010
SHAME ON YOU THAILAND!
I WILL NEVER VISIT YOUR COUNTRY!!!!
written by Beth McChesney, April 12, 2010
written by Helena Fischer, April 12, 2010
written by Maureen Ridley, April 12, 2010
written by moya, April 12, 2010
written by M Williams , April 12, 2010
written by Irma Keller, April 12, 2010
I for my part will not getting tired to promote THAILAND NEGATIVELY for its record of animal cruelty and abuse!
www.marketconsultkeller.de
written by Madeleine Koch, April 12, 2010
But also it's not acceptabel what you do with the other animals.
written by Marina Cresswell, April 12, 2010
written by Theresia Steindl, April 12, 2010
written by Caroline Sapienza, April 12, 2010
written by Lyn, April 12, 2010
written by Lavinia Reck, April 12, 2010
written by Sharon Williams, April 12, 2010
SHAME ON YOU THAILAND!
I WILL NEVER VISIT YOUR COUNTRY!!!!
written by Jools Thorne, April 12, 2010
written by Pierpaolo, April 12, 2010
Shame on Thailand for letting this happening.
written by Cassie Hagger, April 12, 2010
written by marie cross, April 12, 2010
written by Casie Smith, April 12, 2010
written by Drea Jacobs, April 12, 2010
Boxing orangutans, tightrope walking elephants, heat affected polar bears don't make for great entertainment. It's cruel, undignified and reeks of money grubbing exploitation.
written by Gary Simpson, April 12, 2010
STOP NOW
written by sue s, April 12, 2010
written by Katja Boll, April 13, 2010
I am very concerned that Thailand is allowing orangutans to be forced to wear boxing gloves and fight each other.
This animal abuse is totally unacceptable. It is particularly upsetting to see Safari World using the endangered orangutan for such an activity.
My family, friends and I will not visit Thailand until this animal abuse has been permanently stopped.
written by Jenny Aundrews, April 13, 2010
written by Raabia Hawa, April 13, 2010
from performing elephants to boxing orangs? this is not a real safari land? in a REAL safari land, the animals are free and not routinely abused for the purpose of serving as entertainment we are developing more and more into responsible tourists now, and this sort of thing should really change. I would LOVE to visit safari land, perhaps now you can redeem yourselves and free the animals who are under your care, to prove you really DO care for them, so responsible tourists like myself can come and enjoy the true beauty of these animals in better circumstances 
THANK YOU! and I hope for positive news soon! written by Caroline, April 13, 2010
I really hope you listen to what people are saying and stop treating animals like a product to merely provide 'entertainment'.
And why have you got elephants doing tricks? Give them the care and respect they deserve.
The article above says that you claim to provide 'an oasis for animals' - is that supposed to be a joke?
written by Sue, April 13, 2010
written by Gabi, April 13, 2010
written by carole obrien, April 13, 2010
written by Adrienne, April 14, 2010
written by Lucy, April 14, 2010
written by kat spirko, April 14, 2010
written by anoop ghale , April 14, 2010
written by Sam, April 14, 2010
written by Yumiko&Marquez(Japan), April 14, 2010
この動物園には、動物と人間双方にとっ 、
悪い内容と善い内容が混ざっている様で 。
それで、世界中の人々を悩ませているの しょう。
Mr.Azy - The High Level Fac by OrangUtan♪
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreatApeTrust#p/u/52/bmg2CU-kOao
生き物の暮らす、この園の中に、以下が ります。
①恐ろしい炎のショー
②心温まるキリンと子供達の触れ合い
（ポイントは、”生き物が暮らす”、と うところです）。
そのバランスの問題点の結果が、
①と②の境目に暮らす、
オランウータン種への扱いに反映されて るのでしょう。
（象のショー問題も有るみたいですね）
炎のショーは、ディズニーランド等であ ば、
ミッキーマウスはヒトが演じているので
ヒト自身の選択の自由が有る為に問題は りません。
しかし、その観点を類人猿等にあてはめ みますと、
現状では、類人猿等にはその選択の高度 力は有るのですが、
ヒト側がそれについて知らない為に、
類人猿等に、
事前選択をさせる余地を持っていないの 問題かもしれません。
この園のサイトを拝見した印象としては
草食動物等とヒト子供の風景写真につい は、
アジアとしては比較的良い状態とも想い した。
（設備や、鳥類の写真等）。
その点で、より高度な園の運営の為にも
オランウータン等の高度種に関しては、
霊長類ボクシングショーと、
象ショーについてを中止なさり、
他の代案を御考慮頂ければ、と想ってい す。
例えば、
オランウータンの専用の大きな島を御用 して、
個体が、比較的自由に行動出来る状態に つつ、
飼育員とオランウータン間で、学習遊び する。
来園者の子供達は、それを一緒に体験し 、
その高度なオランウータンへの理解を深 る教育の場とする。
個体は、それぞれが自由な学習課題を行 、
来園者はそれを離れた箇所や映像にて、 由に見学をする等。
（本をめくって遊ぶ個体が居たり、
御絵描きをクレヨンでしている個体が居 り、
ショーという訓練よりも高度な行動をす ので、
そちらの方が面白いです）。
オランウータンが手話や御絵描きをする は、
知的で愛らしいでしょう。
ボクシングショーをさせるよりは、
社会的にも正しい価値を持つでしょう。
その変革を用いた社会的教育は、
最終的に、彼らや地球の保護に貢献出来 す。
オランウータンは、ヒトを含めた霊長類 ですから、
生命倫理学としても、欧州の理念として まったので、
その点で、アジア諸国の人々の一部とし は、
その歴史的な時間を持っていない為に理 しづらいかと想いますが、
アジアの善き文化の特性としては、受容 が有りますので、
より幸せな案への変革については、来園 も受け入れられるとも想います。
こちらのガイドブック情報を読まれた方 、
その園に御訪問なさる時に、飼育員の方 関係者の方と、
オランウータンショーについてや、キリ との交流について、
御話をなさってはいかがでしょうか♪。
written by Katie Garton, April 14, 2010
I would urge people to please not support this abhorant treatment in the name of public entertainment.
written by Bec, April 15, 2010
written by Katja Barenscher, May 04, 2010
written by Sarah, May 12, 2010
written by David O, May 20, 2010
written by Lady Patricia, May 26, 2010
It is extremely cruel to take an endangered, intelligent and socialable species to force them into performing for money and for laughs and ergh.. sex.... The mindless act of cruelty by training the orangutangs to box with each other for public entertainment undermines any positive conservation work.
I urge everyone NOT to support this abhorant treatment in the name of public entertainment.
written by David O, May 28, 2010
written by BARREricka32, June 10, 2010
written by Ivy24Garza, July 13, 2010
written by Burgess32Addie, July 15, 2010
written by Victoria , July 19, 2010
written by Pia Wallin, July 19, 2010
written by Jennifer Jobson, July 19, 2010
written by Anna-Karin Strobel Lando, July 19, 2010
written by Hanno Thulmann, July 19, 2010
written by Jodie McLeod, July 20, 2010
written by Amanda Harvey, July 20, 2010
written by Trent Young, July 20, 2010
written by Trudi Levi, July 20, 2010
written by David Johnson, July 20, 2010
written by linnie789, July 20, 2010
written by Mike Dooley, July 20, 2010
It is just sick, and should be banned.
written by Irmgard Gutersohn, Germany, July 23, 2010
Shame on you to misuse those peaceful animals like this, it is disgusting!
I do not want to see such a cruelty!
written by Pat Jennings, July 27, 2010
Have the organisers and promoters ever thought how it would feel to be taken out their 'human' environment and cultural to do the same thing? Let's replace the animals with the real 'ANIMALS' who have organised and imposed on these animals right to live their life according to the natural world - SHARE not use and abuse.
written by cal, August 03, 2010
Any one thinking of visiting please engage your brain first
written by orangutans need our help now, August 03, 2010
No-one should ever visit this place. The orangutans here need to be returned to Indonesia to a rehabilitation centre to begin a long, slow journey back to freedom. As usual, CITES does nothing.
written by Marie-Pierre, August 05, 2010
i was kinda like... wow, when i saw them giraffe so close. here in cali, i dont think we're allow to get that close, to their head. but that is so awesome.
hopefully i can go there too when i visit. thanks.
take care.