5 GREAT PLACES TO VISIT FOR ANIMAL TOURISM IN PHUKET

1. The Tiger Kingdom

Tigers are one of the most elegant creatures you will find. But in the forest of Thailand, their numbers are dwindling incredibly quickly. The Tiger Kingdom is a sanctuary for tigers that were either orphaned or rescued. Here, they are raised well with an eye towards helping them return to the wild eventually. However, some of the tigers that live here were born in captivity and have little to no chance of surviving in the wild.

Therefore, instead of being released, they are trained to perform shows for tourists. That said, all the tigers here get everything they need to live their best lives. The Tiger Kingdom also accepts volunteers, so if having fun while helping animals sounds good to you, you’ll definitely love it here.

2. Soi Dog Foundation

If you love dogs, you will surely love the Soi Dog Foundation, as they take in all the stray dogs in Phuket and provide them with a home. Phuket has had some issues with stray dogs in the past and the vast majority of them end up being euthanized every year.

The foundation was formed to protect these animals and give them a better chance at finding a forever home. That’s why the foundation’s dogs are up for adoption. Since they were strays before the foundation took them in, they could always use more food and love. So if you ever want to help some dogs out, check this place out. Remember: adopt, don’t shop.

3. Monkey Hill

Monkey Hill is the highest point in Phuket, which makes it a great place for sightseeing, but we know most people don’t really go here for that. As its name suggests, there is an abundance of macaques and other monkeys in this place.

Some of them may even interact with you. But you should be careful, as these creatures have been known to play with people’s belongings and steal their food, so be sure to keep your things close to you at all times. You should also keep in mind that these monkeys are wild animals, which means they bite, so you will need to be careful and not let them get too close.

4. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

You can’t visit Thailand without going to at least one elephant sanctuary. If you’re in town and are looking to see some elephants, feed them, or even give them a shower, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the place to be. Unlike many other so-called “sanctuaries” in Thailand that keep elephants only to make off them without prioritizing their well-being, this place ensures that the elephants are happy and healthy. Some of their charges even end up returning to the wild after a while.

5. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

On the surface, gibbons may look like any other monkeys, but when you look closely, you will see some differences. For starters, gibbons don’t have tails and their necks are really short and stumpy. They have much longer arms than other monkeys do to compensate for the lack of a limb that helps them balance up in the treetops.

Gibbons are an endangered species, as over 3,000 gibbons are killed each year in Thailand. The GRP takes in orphaned and injured gibbons and nurses them back to health before returning them to the wild. If you feel connected to this cause, you can join their team and be a part of something bigger.

Sunsuri Phuket is a luxury hotel based in Rawai Beach, get in touch today to book your stay.