Dear Steemit friends :
In my last post about Thailand, I had the pleasure of showing everybody the magnificent Namuang Waterfall and my expedition through a jungle to the very top!
What a challenge that turned out to be! It was an experience that I shall never forget, and one that opened my eyes not only to the serene landscapes, but also to my new found ability to persevere through challenges that I thought were impossible.
Today, we'll be taking a tour of Safari World, which is a park consisting of both a Marine Park and a Safari Park. As an animal lover, I always endeavour to visit the Zoo on location and spend some time with as many animals as possible.
Shall we see which animals I had the pleasure of meeting?
Follow me and let's have a look!
Taking a trip to Safari World from the centre of Bangkok was a lot easier than I thought. My Hotel had excursions to the park which not only covered the transport to and from the hotel, but also a tour guide.
Booking my place was as easy as going to the counter to sign up, then waiting in the lobby for the mini bus to come pick me up.
In under an hour, I arrived at the park, ready to see the cute animals!
The tour guide was a very enthusiastic young lady who spoke around 5 different languages, including Chinese!
As you can see, our mini-bus seated only 10 people, and it wasn't even full.
The landing area and entrance is beautifully designed with tropical trees everywhere you look. There are plenty of stalls selling drinks, refreshments, fruit and souvenirs
I really liked these white elephant statues which face each other and the Safari World golden altar.
Like most public places in Thailand, there is a tribute shrine to the late King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away late last year.
A lovely fountain with a rainbow!
Adjacent to the Safari park, we have the Marine Park entrance.
The roofs here are decorated with wonderful plants and flowers.
Look at the vibrant colours!
With such vivid colours, it's hard to actually see the beautiful row of parrots sitting on the tree branch!
Shameless picture with the park mascot!
Because the temperature is so high, (39 degrees C) the park has these water drop sprinklers all over to help visitors cool down.
As we cross the bridge into the park, we can see a life size model recreation of the floating markets unique to Thailand.
The bridge is actually quite shakey, I almost couldn't walk across it without falling over.
Here's another shot of the floating market.
And another shot of the shakey bridge.
Just before entering the Safari park, there is a toilet stop.
This hippo is crying out for you to sit on it.
I really like this archway which has been beautifully decorated with flowers and trees.
Although there are some parks which have trains which shuttle visitors between different areas, this Safari Park just has model trains. Still, they are beautifully decorated with such vibrant colours. I wonder what the yellow man is on the side of the train?
There are some more stalls in the leisure area selling drinks pop corn and sweets.
Onto the animals!
First up, the lazy cold blooded Iguana chilling in the shade. I tried to get it's attention.
I was ignored...
Moving on!
Not sure what this little cute creature is, I think it might be a kind of Ferret.
They are absolutely adorable though, they're literally the size of my tiny hands!
A Kangaroo!
Thailand and it's Elephants
The Elephant show is one of the park's signature performances.
First we are introduced to the elephants as they circle the arena.
Next, they show off their agile trunks, catching hoops.
Elephants can weigh up to 7000kg, it's amazing that they can stand up on two legs.
They've even learned how to paint!
There was a basketball shoot off between these two.
The trainer had the elephants pose in various positions.
And finally, they stand on the stools in an orderly line as they wrap up the show waving goodbye with their trunks.
Planet of the Apes
Chimpanzee's are incredibly intelligent creatures. No wonder they've made so many films about them taking over the world and overthrowing humans.
The Chimp show is also very popular. From the design of the stage, I could already guess that they were going have a chimp muay thai match.
It turned out to be quite a messy fight, and the chimp spectators were clearly not happy.
Meanwhile, the Orangutang band made quite the band performance!
Dolphins
No tropical country zoo would complete without an entertaining dolphin show, and Safari World does not disappoint.
Dolphins are incredibly swift in the water and can leap several times their height into the air.
They're also incredibly friendly with humans, so much so that the trainer feels completely comfortable swimming with them and being thrusted high up into the air.
Synchronised leaps into the air are such a marvel to see.
Sea Lions
I'm not sure why Sea Lions are called Lions, they are so cute, certainly not ferocious like the land type.
Weighing several hundred kilograms, the sea lions display perfect balance with their fins.
They can even do hand stands.
Walk on a barrel..
And stand up on their flippers!
Outside the Dolphin stadium, I was greeted by this very friendly looking Walrus.
He looks like he's enjoying the water very much.
So much so, that he wants to share some with me.
This area we crossed over earlier has some leisure games, the goal of this one is to hit the green button above the poor girl sitting on the ledge. She'll fall down into a tank of water if you succeed. I think it's much harder than it looks, I didn't see anybody win!
Time for the boat ride!
After wading through the sun for half a day, the boat ride was a much needed rest.
No, that isn't a real crocodile! In fact, all of the animals here are just life like models.
Very cool tribesmen.
A daring explorer crossing a rope bridge with crocodiles underneath.
Flamingos !
I can't believe how red these birds are, I think they're some kind of flamingo too?
Here's the timetable for the various shows. As you can see, it's quite a tight schedule, more or less moving from one to the next.
This flock of flamingo's are all facing the same direction. It's like an army of flamingo's standing to attention!
Lunch Time
My excursion ticket includes a buffet lunch.
Although the food was quite underwhelming, I loved the decorations inside.
Here we have a red flamingo and a pink one.
So many plants everywhere!
The fruit table. Aren't those little Banana's so cute?
Vermicelli and Noodles.
Vegetables and Fried fish with Leeks.
Plain rice and some stewed chicken.
A very impressive golden statue of dolphins at the salad bar.
Freshly sliced exotic fruits are sold in stalls all over the park
I decide to go with the Pineapple which was the only fruit I recognised.
The orange dust is a little salty, which is okay because the Pineapple was really sweet.
Wildlife Park
After lunch, the next item on the itinerary involves getting back on the mini-bus, and driving through this wild life park where animals are free to roam on a very large grass plain.
Zebra and a little zebra baby.
More zebras!
A zebra that thinks it's an ostrich.
Giraffes seem to be in their own little section. Notice how their hatched roofs are much taller.
Oh, and more zebras.
I've never seen Storks in the wild before.
Where's the babies!?
A family of tigers in their own area away from the herbivores.
Rhinos eating hay. (I had no idea they eat that!)
Quite a number of antelopes.
The antelopes here have such beautiful strips on their face.
Their horns are so pointy and straight!
The Bear necessities of life.
How could I turn down having my picture taken with these gorgeous Leopards.
He was really friendly and loved the attention!
I think he was a little thirsty from working long shifts all day! You know, wild cats and domestic ones are not too different.
They love a good rub on the head.
And of course, hugs!
Thank you for joining me on my visit to the Safari World in Bangkok. With so many beautiful animals to see, which animal is your favourite?
Don't forget to upvote, follow and comment!
The Dolphins leaping into the air was my favorite part. You always put so much work into your posts @sweetsssj. The colors in this one were amazing!
Thanks lydon.sipe, I do my best! I really love dolphins, I even had the chance to swim with them, I'll post about that soon!
Dolphins are my favorite animal - I will be looking for that post!
You know, a song came to my head @sweetsssj :D
"I would do anything for love, but I wont do that" :D
That cat looks scary! You look awesome!
Awesome! Tiger is a dangerous to be trained. And good to see you stay peacefully with them! Wild animal is always awesome. Hope you can gain lots of experience and learn from. As I remember you can make donation over there
The tigers and other wild animals are drugged and sedated so as to be docile with the tourists. Horrible exploitation of these animals goes on in Thailand.
sad take picture with drugged animals...
Yes, wild cats can be trained, but not domesticated in one generation. But, it's great seeing them the way they are naturally. Certainly an experience I cherish.
Wow that's pretty amazing ! I haven't been to Thai since I was five lol, probably going to visit Thai again in Sept! Looking forward to the famous Sunday market there, I heard it takes two days to fully walk around it ! Thank you for your travel journal, sure you had an great time there ! :)
Thank you pakyeechan, I look forward to seeing your post about your travels after you go!
amazing ! you hugged a leopard and even kissed it
the orangutang videos are very entertaining
and so are the elephant pics
don't they have the one that paint anymore?
I have been to Bangkok many times but I never had the chance to visit the Safari, just trying out the delicious food there. Thanks for letting me know the other side of Bangkok, I love animals, admire your work. Also that's so brave for a cute girl like you to hug the leopard.
Thank you htliao, it's good to diversify your experiences and try everything !
your trip looked amazing, glad you enjoyed your trip to Bangkok. I have been to Bangkok once and it was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. The food was great, especially for me, a chili pepper lover. Fruits were very fresh. And also the water sports, so much fun. 10/10 for Bangkok and gonna go there again someday
Fantastic to hear! We are both lucky to have experienced a bit of Thailand.
Wow these are really stunning and amazing photos. I missed going to this place last time i was in Thailand but now I know what I really missed. Looks like you thorougly enjoyed the awesome experience, thanks for sharing.
Cool report, actually I do love Safaris – never been to one in Asia. Time to change that! You are looking awesome with the leopard – great travel post as usual!
Your article is very well written, I learned a lot of things, I would like to give you a reply here, encourage you, continue to publish a better article
thanks royalko, appreciate it.
Your very first and last pictures are stunning! How did that feel right!?! Wow!!!
The videos were pretty cool. Thank you son try much for this huge post, it is so packed, almost hard to believe! that'll be hard to come back down after such a high... Namaste :)
Thanks eric-boucher! I'm such a cat person, I guess it extends all the way to wild cats too. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the comment as always. Appreciate it very much!
This post received a 33% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @sweetsssj! For more information, click here!
I love Thailand ,, my question all this in Bangkok or Pataya?
This one's in Bangkok!
Great I missed it in my last visit.
Congratulations @sweetsssj!
Your post was mentioned in my hit parade in the following categories:
Awesome photo! Look at my blog to watch my new photo, i am new on steemit you are amazing
I'd be scared like hell to stand near that leopard.
It was certainly very big! Very friendly though :D
Me too. I like cats, but when the cats are big enough to maul me, I think I'll keep my distance, thank you very much.
It is drugged out of its mind so as not to be dangerous.
lol
Yesterday was the first time I saw your blog and I was fascinated by it. You write you posts with such a incredible and inspiring feeling that it's a great pleasure to read and look at you beautiful photos! I follow you and hope that your posts'll inspire me for a long time! Thanks for such a wonderful content))
Thank you tanechka, honored to have you follow me. I'll do my best to keep posting stuff you like!
It is a shame that you are promoting and posing with these wild animals, as they are drugged so they can be exploited to earn money from tourists. In 2004 a guy I know, Edwin Wiek (a well known wildlife activist in Thailand) exposed the possession of more than 70 smuggled orangutans by the Safari World zoo, who were used in kickboxing acts.
Encourage responsible tourism and DO NOT visit animal attractions in Thailand!
I have no idea they were abused. I guess taking them from the wild and keeping them in Zoo's is denying them their natural habitat. But then taking a contrary position to this, every animal held in captivity should deserve the same liberty.
Unfortunately Safari World is not just a zoo as it claims. They exploit animals for profit and have been caught previously in possession of endangered species. As of last week I am reliably informed they are still abusing orangutans by holding orangutan kickboxing shows where the animals are terribly mistreated. They drug these big cats so they can make money from tourists that want photographs with them. Unfortunately by having your photo taken you are only encouraging the continuing exploitation of these animals. Sorry to say.
When they were exposed by Edwin in 2004, they typically did not change their ways but sued him, trying to get him to shut up. The activists even encountered resistance from the local authorities as influential people own these attractions and have sway with the government.
The recent scandal about the Tiger Temple (Google for more information) re-affirms that animal tourism should be avoided in Thailand, as there is widespread abuse and harm to animals happening, and exploitation of endangered species for profit.
This is Edwin's website: https://www.wfft.org/
great content. thanks for posting. upvoted and followed.
Thanks tim !
Wow!!! This is so amazing. I would like to visit this place for sure.
Thanks! Make sure you do!
Will post here on steemit when I visit this place.
Amazing & adventurous photographs..Thanks for sharing with us...
You're welcome! I had such a blast!
Welcome ::))
Beautiful pictures. Makes me want to come and visit. I love the colors and brightness of your experience. Thanks.
Thanks for taking us on the tour :)
You're welcome!
What a beautiful place and the food looks great. I would love to visit Thailand one day with my girlfriend. :)
She'll absolutely love it. Do it!
Thanks, I will.
Really amazing! Are you a model?
thank you! No, not a model, just like taking photos :)
Well I think you should be! Great photos
Aww thanks
Wow what a beautiful cat! Do you think if you took him home that he would get along with your others cats? :-)
You are seriously living the dream!
You know, I think cats are quite naturally hostile towards other unfamiliar cats, I imagine there might be a few cat fights ! Thanks!
My dad always wanted to have a bobcat but in most US States you have to have a special permit to have an animal that is considered wild.
Wow, what a gorgeous cat that is. I saw a video once of one visiting some person's front porch and the domestic kitties inside looking very curious..
Oh my gosh! Haha that is not the one I saw, but this one is better! Looks like they're trying to make friends
Omg it's sooo beautiful!! Hahahaha I always wanna try taking photos with dangerous animals! You're brave gal :) the photos are amazing too. Hope to see more form u !
Thank you susan! This beauty of a leopard didn't seem dangerous at all, maybe it was a very well fed one :D
Oh really! Haha anyway nice shot!
I like the tigers and that leopard that you got to hug. I wanna hug a leopard too! :D Well, at least I got to see you do it; thanks for sharing!
I guess I have a natural attachment to cats, big or small! Thanks!
Wow!
You are simply AMAZING @sweetsssj
Very Brave of You to Hold and Hug a Tiger let alone have your picture taking with one!
Looks like you had a lot of FUN at the Safari World in Bangkok.
Keep STEEM N ON,
Frank
Thanks franks! (It's a leopard) Still, a huge cat bigger than me!
Lots of pictures and detail.. great post.
thank you rgeddes!
Amazing photos. Very enjoyable. Very lovely lady as well.
Thank you! Appreciated!
Such pretty kitties @sweetsssj! But I hate to see that heavy, chain collar choking his neck...
Could the plump ferrets possibly be gophers?
Yeah, I was quite sad to see that too.
I actually have no idea what gophers are, but they are seriously cute. Literally the size they are shown on the picture.
They can be cute! Until they ruin your lawn :(
Haha , that's so cute, i'll probably let them if they come visit me !
Give my regards to that Leopard. What his name?
I actually have no idea.. i just refer to him as spotty :D
Okay :) are you not afraid of him?
I was a little.. but then I really love cats, even huge wild ones
That's the thing, no matter what it is, for the sake of passion, it would not be a problem :)
Very true!
Make sure to let me know if you will visit Philippines, me and my wife will be there for you :)
The big cats are all drugged so as not to be an immediate danger to tourists.
Bravo!!! Amazing lady this post is extraordinary, a true dream come true, I admire your work, is the least I can say of this post, congratulations and many thanks for this beautiful gift.
Have a beautiful weekend
You're welcome jlufer, thank you for such a nice comment too. Always appreciate your viewership!
You are so brave to hug with the leopard! Can't wait for your another travel experience ~!
Thank you!
Very well explained, thank you
You're welcome!
I kind of traveled with you)))
Digital travel! I wonder when VR videos will happen. I know 3D videos are already around..
3D video is very cool ...
Bangkok looks so vibrant and picturesque. Great photos - you have done a great job of transporting your readers there along with you! I need to visit Thailand soon - tigers, kangaroos and a walrus, oh my!
Thank you, with it being a tropical climate it's great to visit all year round. Especially as an escape from the cold winters.
Cool, looking forward to seeing more interesting places and awesome photos on your travel blog. Just followed you too!
Thanks! I appreciate it very much!
No problem, keep up the good work!
I lived in Thailand for a year but never managed to go to Safari World. Great Post, will make sure to go when I go back for holiday next.
Great! Where did you live in Thailand?
Lived in Sukumvit Soi 24, Bangkok. We had a great time there.
that leopard is just gorgeous. amazing you were able to get that kind of closeness with him and even capture it on video to share. he seems so calm and relaxed too, except for that big bulky chain around his neck! :(
Yeah , I was a little sad to see that chain, but it was quite the experience to be so close to it and even hug it. He even purred!
that's so cool! hope he wasn't also one of those animals they drug and sedate. he seemed pretty alert and aware of your presence, so I'd like to think he's "tame" enough for them to mostly just "let him be".
They led him back to his little house afterwards and seemed very much alert, cats tend to be quite lazy when it's really hot, I know mine are!
They are 100% drugged. As are all the tigers at the tiger temple and other animal attractions.
meep
hi meep, how are you today?
meep
You are beautiful and so are the photos. What a wonderful place to be.
Thank you 😄
Photos and experienced shared is really amazing and looks quite beautiful.
thanks for sharing, Liked it!
I also shared a post of travelling experience in India. I am damn sure you will like it !
https://steemit.com/travelling/@saurabhgupta/travelling-kedarkanth-trip-1-how-s-it-got-planned
thanks for that, i'll check it out!
Thanx for it, In upcoming days, I will be posting best blog about travelling, also about culture
And life in India, If interested follow @saurabhgupta
great shots dear
upvoted
thanks nitinchugh; damn, how do you pronounce that?
Beautiful place and pictures. How are you not scared of that tiger?
I would not get near him lol. Great adventure and post!
Thank you! I actually really love wild cats, so much so I would love to have a domesticated one someday.
If I found myself near such a cat I would run instantly miles away. I do not know where you find such courage! By the way, the dolphin sequence leaves you speechless. 😘 everything!
Thank you hebro! Lately I've been feeling more brave!
Better live short and intense rather than long and borring!
Good motto!
What a fantastic voyage through Safari World @sweetsssj. It's almost mind boggling how peaceful and natural it can be with all that wildlife and just outside the chaos of Bangkok. Thanks Miss Tour Guide! You weren't scared of the big cats? ;)
Thanks sandstorm, I guess I'm just such a cat lover, nothing about them scares me!
That's the answer I was expecting @sweetsssj :) Have a great day!
Hello @sweetsssj ! I'll share/resteem all your posts if you can follow me and resteem too my future posts ,you're the best ,thank you and hope we'll help each other
I've just followed you :)
I wish you have the best posts !
Hi there ,do you want to follow ALL THE BEST NEWS & VARIOUS POSTS on the web ?
Follow me at @braveheart22 and you'll receive my daily & quality posts !
Thank you ,see you later STEEMIANS !
@sweetsssj, you have always been a favorite of mine. If you can, please show some love for my sister at @fulloflove.
STEEM ON!!
Thank you gringalicious I couldn't find the account, did you type it correctly??
Well written! And you are so brave to hug a cheetah!
Just wanna reply you to encourage you to write more about your journey.
Wait for your next story.
Thanks Robin, sometimes we must go beyond our fears to experience the incredible.
Thank you for sharing such amazing photos!!!
You're very welcome
Thanks for taking the time to look!