Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo

Also known as Korat Zoo, this wild animal park is administered under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and is located on a 545 rai plot of land, some 19 km from the city centre of Nakhon Ratchasima. It claims to host more than 1,500 animals and some 200 species from around the world, with an effort made to house the animals in accommodation and cages similar to their natural habitat. Since the climate of Nakhon Ratchasima is similar to that of the natural wildlife of the Savanna, it focuses on the so-called Big Five from Africa, i.e. the Lion, the Leopard, the African Elephant, the White Rhinoceros, and the African Buffalo. Besides this, there are areas dedicated to monkeys and apes, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic animals, aviaries, and many kinds of mammals. The zoo also is the largest Sarus Crane (fig.) breeding centre in Thailand and its bird exhibition includes various species of other cranes as well. The zoo also runs several programs of in-captive breeding of various animals, such as Red-breasted Parakeets (fig.), Harieguin/Dumeril's Monitors (Varanus Dumerilii), False Gavials/Gharials (fig.), Burmese Star Tortoises (fig.), Black Water Monitors (fig.), etc. The zoo also has a seminar centre that can accommodate up to 200 people; Dino Land, a Jurassic Park-like area with large-scale replicas of all kinds of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals accompanied by their names and characteristics on information signs; Korat Zoo Lagoon, a water park; and an area with various kinds of deer. 回