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Zoos |
 A
trip to the zoo is always a good alternative to the air-conditioned
shopping malls and kids' amusement parks. As well as getting
a close-up view of the animals, the zoo can also be a rewarding
way to see Thai families enjoying their spare time at the
weekends.
In
Thailand, there are five public zoos, operated under the supervision
of the Zoological Department (Tel +66 2 282-7111-3). They
include Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Khao Khieo Open Zoo in Chonburi,
Chiang Mai Zoo, Songkhla Zoo and Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Usually
the public zoos under the Zoological Department have very
low admission fees; only 30 baht for adults and 5 baht for
children.
However,
there are some other remarkable zoos that are better known
among tourists. Most are operated by private companies and
are usually better-managed and more commercialized, with strong
promotional activities and shows. Zoos specializing in crocodiles,
elephants, tigers, snakes, ostrich, birds or dolphin shows
are a few examples.
 The
most popular privately-owned zoos in Thailand include the
world's largest Crocodile Farm and Zoo in Samut Prakan province,
Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo in Nakhon Pathom, Sri Racha
Tiger Park in Chonburi and Oasis Sea World in Chantaburi.
For
travelers looking for an alternative zoo experience, a visit
to Safari World is highly recommended. Located in a suburb
of Bangkok, it is the largest and best managed open zoo in
Thailand. It is the only zoo where you can see different kinds
of wild animals roaming freely in a quasi-natural environment.
It's probably the only place where you can see herds of giraffe,
lions, zebras and wild bears in Thailand, probably many more
than you would ever see on a safari in Africa.
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