Chiang
Mai Zoo
The
Chiang Mai Zoo is located about 5 km from the city center
on Huai Kaeo Road very close to the Chiang Mai Huai Kaeo Arboretum.
An
American missionary founded the zoo in the 1920's as a small
private collection. The zoo was later given to the city after
the missionary retired. Since that time it has expanded and
improved and is now one of the finest zoos in Asia as well
as being the largest in Thailand
The
zoo is situated on 200 acres of beautiful land in the foothills
of Doi Suthep on the edge of the city. It houses hundreds
of different animal species in a forested and natural environment.
Within the grounds are two waterfalls, reservoirs, an open
park, camping spots, animal breeding areas and little roads
winding around the mountainside, affording spectacular views
of Chiang Mai City.
The
Singapore Zoo recently donated a troop of ten penguins - the
first ever seen in Thailand. Gibbons, which are listed as
the world's fourth most endangered species, are being bred
successfully. Chayo, the baby elephant born at the time of
the Leonid meteor shower and who became the symbol of the
1998 Bangkok Asian Games, is here with her mother.
The
zoo contains a fascinating collection of Asian and African
mammals with more than 6,000 animals in total. There are 69
species of mammals, 311 of birds, 15 of reptiles and 60 of
fresh water fish. The zoo prides itself on the natural conditions
in which the animals are kept and also on the natural beauty
of the whole area.
Interesting
and educational events for children and adults are constantly
being arranged. The zoo has become one of the most popular
attractions in Chiang Mai for Thai and overseas families.
Entrance fees are between 20 and 40 baht and you can pay extra
to take in any transportation such as a tuk tuk since only
the truly athletic can explore the whole zoo by foot. It is
a pleasant, interesting and scenic way to spend the day.
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