Touch the clean and fresh air at Chiangmai Zoo

Chiangmai Zoo was established by the The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situated on 531 Rai of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, the zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls.

Nearly 400 different species of animal are kept at the Chiangmai Zoo, including elephants, tigers, chimpanzees, hippopotami and rhinoceroses. The zoo also features some outstanding special attractions such as the walk through aviary, a fascinating freshwater aquarium and the zoo’s stars – Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, two young pandas who were sent as goodwill ambassadors from China in 2003.

Near the entrance is the Cage Area, where smaller animals are kept in traditional zoo cages amid a colourful profusion of tropical flowers. Beyond the entrance area you will find the Open Zoo, a 40 acre, walled enclosure where numerous species are allowed to mingle and roam free. A pedestrian walkover allows visitors a unique perspective from which to observe the behaviour of the animals. The Breeding Area and Recreational Areas are located towards the back of the zoo, near a pleasant lake that makes for perfect picnics.

There is also a huge aquarium which houses many different types of tropical fish. In parts of the aquarium you can get up really close to them by walking through a tunnel underneath the water.

This exclusive arrangement allows fresh water and salt water creatures to coexist under one roof, alongside representative territories from other significant ecosystems. The inspiration for this astonishing concept comes from the great Mekong River “itself an exhibit at the aquarium” as it represent the major waterway that feeds and quenches the thirst of millions of people across the six neighboring countries that its waters sustain.

The park staff is very knowledgeable but their English is not always the best. As zoos go, this is a pretty good one and it’s definitely the best the kingdom has to offer. Most animals appear well looked after in spacious cages or fenced off areas and though some enclosures, such as that for the monkeys, still leave a lot to be desired, the zoo is always upgrading and improving its facilities.

The Chiang Mai zoo is large and you’ve got three options for getting around: foot, monorail or bus. Most of the main sites can be included in a walking itinerary but be warned: it’s a fair old walk and there are plenty of hills. Much of it is however in the shade and cafes and snack bars are liberally sprinkled around the site. Allow two to three hours to do a loop around the central area on foot.

If you don’t approve of zoos, just don’t go, but if you love animals and love to watch kids interact with them, then this is the place.Overall, it’s a must visit. Amazing place to be. Animals look happy. And if we want them to take good care of the animals, In my opinion we must visit this zoo. Chiangmai Zoo is located at the foot hill of Suthep mountain next to Chiang Mai University. For whole day trip, It is good to combine this with a visit to Doi Suthep temple, Phuphing Palace and Meo hilltribe village.

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