The tale of the Tiger Temple

Everyone loves a tiger. Especially tigers you can pat in person and hand feed. It’s been debated A LOT. It’s been written about A LOT. I had to find out if the Thai Buddhist Temple near Bangkok really was a nature experience or a shonky hideaway profiting from animal incarceration.

I would love to say that it is all incense and jungle, with one happy and majestic tiger lounging atop an altar while saffron robed monks fan their feline companion. But no. It’s a burgeoning, themed, touristy destination with all the potential of an animal freak show.

Yes, there are plenty of tigers lying around and they are supremely well cared for. They are preserving an animal species that otherwise would be hunted for sale on the black market. I’m sure they are well treated, exercised and allowed to roam. But there is something really sad about a tiger that is forced to walk alongside a row of up to 40 people so we can have our photo taken ‘strolling’ with a Big Cat.

The time of day that you get to see them is right after they have spent the morning eating and exercising. They sleep 18 hours a day and need to spend the hottest part of the day digesting. Just when they are getting down to the true business of focusing on rest they bring in the hourdes. True, this is the safest time for people to touch them when they are relaxed, but forcing them to move around in position just feels too much for me. Seeing a massive tiger trying to lay down while it is dragged to it’s feet made me cringe. Do we really need to hug the big guys to appreciate them?

I saw two monks come out and mingle for the purpose of connection with the public and then I fled. Choosing to pay the extra bucks for portraits with the largest of the cats didn’t ring my bell. I wanted something more natural.

After choosing the wrong outfit for the occasion - a tank top for the sweaty heat - the only way I was allowed to enter the gate was to buy a Bindi Irwin-esque polo shirt with a branded Tiger Temple pocket. Gorgeous. Be aware you must wear something covering your shoulders and nothing in red or pink which stimulates the cats.

I chose to spend some extra dosh on an up close and personal experience with some 12 week old tiger cubs. They needed to be fed by hand as they where already separated from their mother. They had their own little area free to roam with loads of toys, and in as much a natural environment the establishment could replicate.

This experience was incredible! To spend an hour playing, being stalked, tumbling and feeding cubs was a true experience I will cherish. They are divine creatures that are living in safety and with respect. To see the purity of animals up close is beautiful. Yes they would be better in the wild. And is it right to adjust them to human reliance? But can they be allowed to fend for themselves unprotected from impoverished hunters?

Overall the Tiger Temple is a wonderful experience. A little less intervention, encouragement from the public to maybe just observe the big cats a little more, and I think the project is a great conservation achievement. It’s worth the trip and easy enough to get to in a taxi solo. You don’t need to join the rushed tour group from Bangkok. Spend the time there - allow hours to just watch, and it will be a day worth spending as part of the complete Thailand experience.

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