1 Lujan Zoo, Argentina
Often referred to as the most controversial and dangerous zoo in the world, Lujan Zoo is one of the few places in the world where you can have a relatively safe close encounter with some of the most vicious wild animals on Earth.
For an entrance fee of $7 you can observe all the wild animals just like you would at any other zoo in the world. But for an extra $50 and a signed document, stating that, if you get attacked by any of the wild beasts the zoo takes no responsibility, you’re free to get up close and personal with whatever animal you want. All visitors, even kids, can pick up smaller animals and manhandle them at their own risk.
Safety regulations aren’t very popular at the Lujan Zoo and while you feed, pet, stroke or ride on the backs of lions or tigers, the only precaution is an unarmed zoo attendant keeping an eye on the animals. Clearly he wouldn’t be able to help you in any way if the animal should attack, but it gives visitors a sense of security.
2 Cango Wildlife Ranch, South Africa
An important animal shelter and breeding facility for endangered species, Cango Wildlife Ranch gives tourists the opportunity to get close to crocodiles in their own environment.
Crocs might seem sluggish and lazy on land, but in water they become perfect predators. That is what people at the Cango Wildlife Ranch are trying to show the world, through Croc Cage Diving. Anyone over the age of 12 can enter the cleverly designed cage and get lowered in the crocodile’s pool. The cage has an opening big enough for the giant reptile to get its nose in for people to touch, but not big enough to open its mouth.
There have been a lot of complaints from animal activists, regarding the way crocodiles are treated here, but the Cango Wildlife Ranch says all the crocodiles featured in Croc Cage Diving were born in captivity and are used to being surrounded by people.
3 Sriracha Zoo, Thailand
Just as controversial as Lujan, the Sriracha Zoo in Thailand claims to have a population of 400 Bengal tigers and over 10,000 crocodiles. But that’s not what it is most famous for. This is probably the only place where you can see tigers and pigs living together as families.
These “happy families” of mixed species are amazing to look at, and people come from all over the world to see tigresses nurturing piglets as if they were her own. The experts at Sriracha Zoo have so far succeeded in building “happy families” with tigers, dogs and pigs.
There has been a lot of criticism surrounding Sriracha Zoo, as activists claim the animals are mistreated, often beaten and tortured to put on a show for the tourists. Others say taking the tigers cubs away from her mother and giving them to a surrogate pig-mother, has serious health implications on the tigress.
4 The Tiger Temple, Thailand
If there is such a thing as a place where humans and tigers can interact in…more natural conditions, it has to be Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua temple, also known as the Tiger Temple. Those who have visited this special holy place says the tigers seem really happy to find themselves surrounded by people everyday, and the fact that there have been no accidents in the ten years of the temple’s existence, stands as proof.
Established in 1994, when an orphaned tiger cub was brought by villagers, the Tiger Temple now has 34 big cats living in harmony with the monks. The head abbot says he considers the tigers his family, one is his brother, another his sister and so on.
As you might expect, there have been voices that accused the monks of drugging the tigers, but the temple denied these allegations and invited anyone to spend some time at Tiger Temple and film whatever they wish, to convince themselves and the world of the natural harmony between humans and tigers.
5 Maetaman Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand
A recent article stated there are now six elephant centers in northern Thailand, where elephants have been taught to paint. I’m sure every one of them is very talented, but the most famous painting elephant, Hong, lives at the Maetaman Elephant Camp, in Chiang Mai
Hong was featured in a video that became very popular on the internet, in which she painted an elephant holding a flower, using only her trunk. It took years of practice but Hong proved animals do have an artistic side. Even if they are just reproducing the paintings learned in years of training, you have to admit the elephants’ feat is nothing short of extraordinary.
Thanks to Hong and her brethren, elephant art has become very popular and paintings are reportedly being sold for as much as $25,000. The money raised go to supporting the elephants and funding new projects.
