This forest monastry is a petting zoo for the big boys. The temple adopted its first tiger cub in 1999 after its mother was killed by poachers. Word spread that the temple could care for orphaned tigers and soon others were brought in for adoption. Now more than 10 tigers live with the monks. In the afternoon the tigers are taken out of their cages to an enclosed canyon for exercise and "bonding". Visitors allowed under supervision can be fotographed up close with the beasts. Some of the tigers clearly love to pose, while others get agitated easily. The temples warn visitors to avoide colours like orange, red and pink, as these would excite the Tigers. The obvious question is why the king of the jungle can be approached like a house cat. Some speculate that is pure monk magic, probably coupled with the docile daytime behaviour of a nocturnal creature, and their familiarity with humans. But a healthy respect of the tigers power(even the cubs)is important.
The temple is 38 km from Kanchanaburi.
