DUSIT ZOO

Description

Essentials about Dusit Zoo in brief

Dusit Zoo is Thailand’s oldest and best known zoo. Covering an area of nearly 20 hectares, the zoo is home to approximately 1,600 species of domestic and foreign animals. Dusit Zoo is located right next to Dusit Palace. A visit to the zoo is worthwhile not only for its interesting fauna, but also for its beautiful greenery. Since the zoo grounds were once used as a botanical garden, the flora of Dusit Zoo is also definitely worth a look.

The history of Dusit Zoo

Originally, Dusit Zoo was a botanical garden. The former Thai King Rama V was so enthusiastic about botanical gardens he encountered on his trips abroad that he wanted such a garden to be established in Thailand. The botanical garden was established next to the Dusit Palace grounds. At first intended only for the private pleasure of the royal family, the garden was opened to the public after the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932. Finally, in 1938, the zoo was built on the grounds of the botanical garden.

The grounds of Dusit Zoo

About a quarter of the approximately 20-hectare zoo grounds consists of water areas – a remnant of the former botanical garden, where a large number of ponds were created. The zoo grounds are extremely spacious, and the abundance of water and beautiful greenery invite visitors to relax in addition to observing the animals.

The zones of Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo is divided into different zones. The Africa zone is probably the most popular with most age groups. Here you can see lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, wild asses and guenons. American wildlife includes bison. For nocturnal animals, there is a special building that allows observation of bats and marten bears, among others.

Dusit Zoo is also known for its wildlife enclosures. Many of the game species are native to Thailand. However, there are also muntjak deer from Central Asia to see. The treasure of the exotic wildlife is the Doug Langur, an endangered red-shanked monkey. Dusit Zoo is also very famous for its gibbon facility. Bird lovers can discover over 1,000 different species of birds at the zoo and reptile fans will get their money’s worth in the reptile house, which is home not only to monitor lizards but also several species of turtles.

Other attractions in Dusit Zoo

Another highlight of Dusit Zoo is the electric streetcar, which takes visitors on a 20-minute ride through the extensive grounds. A good way to get a first overview at the beginning of the zoo visit. Children will enjoy not only the animals, but also the very well-equipped playgrounds. There is even a go-kart track. The children’s zoo also provides excitement for the little ones. There are also exciting animal shows for young and old, in which the extraordinary abilities of various animals are on display.

A food center serves a variety of Thai dishes at the zoo. In addition, there are various fast-food restaurants, ice cream stores and kiosks on the zoo grounds. If you want, you can even bring your own food to the zoo.