Tiger Monks, THAILAND
Airing Date: Jan 30th, 2006
Just a few hours outside of Bangkok in Thailand is Kanchanaburi. From here a 30 minute bus or taxi ride will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno monastery, where tourists come to see man and beast living together in perfect harmony.
The monastery's main objectives are to propagate Buddhism and to provide a sanctuary for wildlife. Its very first animal was a local bird species found in the surrounding mountain ranges, which the monks adopted. Soon other endangered and injured animals were brought to the monks, including everything from peacocks, horses, deer, and eventually tigers.
The first cub arrived at the monastery in 1995 after its mother was killed by poachers, leaving it helpless to fend for itself. The monks rescued the cub, and while it didn't survive for long there were many more cubs and tigers to follow. The monastery now looks after a total of eight adults and three cubs, and the tigers have become a huge attraction.
During your visit you'll see the tiger's everyday life, from feeding to bathing or simply playing. Bathing happens at 2pm every day. The monks have a few tips before you visit the monastery and for when you are in close proximity with the tigers. Do not make loud noises, do not wear bright colours or perfume and most importantly, never turn your back on a tiger!
The monastery also focuses on practising meditation. Accommodation is available for those who take an interest in meditation and wish to stay within the temple. There is no charge for staying at the monastery for mediation as this is the Buddhist way, but it is polite to offer a donation. All the money donated goes to feeding the tigers and other animals.
A Tiger Conservation Project has been set up to help tigers survive in today's world. They are currently building a new home for the tigers on 12 acres of the monastery's land. The 'Tiger Island' will serve as a tiger conservation sanctuary and will also be used for studying their behaviour, and to bring conservation awareness to visitors.
Further Information
Kanchanaburi
Tiger Temple
Entry from $10 a person or Day tours from $80 a person.
Telephone: 0011 66 34 531 557 8 or 0011 66 3334 531 5578 Website: www.boonheng.com
River Kwai Jungle House
Deluxe Rooms start at $60 a night including breakfast.
Telephone: 0011 66 34 561 052
Website: www.banrimkwae.com
Open World International Travel Service
Telephone: 0011 66 2 9743 8667
Website: www.openworldthailand.com
Prices correct at 30/1/06
