Dusit Zoo

Posted by Sukhumwit Steve on March 5th, 2010 filed in Day trips

Situated opposite the Royal Throne Hall, just a short walk from Khaosan Road, Dusit Zoo is unlike most zoos in Asia. As soon as visitors enter Dusit zoo, they are greeted by the arresting natural beauty of the lake. Dozens of ducks and geese waddle on the grassy shore and float freely in the cool water. Over-hung with lush trees, the lake is a piece of Eden in Bangkok’s bustling metropolis.

Signs lead the way over a bridge and find Bird Island, where birds and butterflies flutter and flap freely. In amongst the rich exotic plants, peacocks and other brightly-hued birds wander. Even those animals

Other starts of the zoo include the black bears, who reside in a large, grassy compound. Instead of cages, the bears are surrounded by a moat filled with live fish; lunch on demand.

Next door, the mole-like sun bears show off their bellies by standing on their hind legs. They stay on a similar island, this time with a waterfall providing a natural shower.

Dusit Zoo covers an area of more than 47 acres and is home to over 300 mammals, 1,300 birds and 190 reptiles. It was formerly part of the Royal Dusit Garden Palace, or “Khao Din Wana” in Thai. Established by King Rama V, this was his private botanical garden.

In 1938, the Prime Minister of Thailand asked King Rama VIII to grant him the land so that he could open the zoo to the public. The king consented and, once it had been established by the Bangkok Municipality, the zoo was opened. It was turned over to the Zoological park Organization in February 1954.

The zoo has employed many field-trained zoologists, who have helped design the enclosures. The idea was to ensure that the instincts and behaviours of the wild animals were preserved as much as possible.

Information:
Entrance to Dusit Zoo costs just 100 Baht. It is open 9 am – 9pm daily.

Getting There:
The main entrance is off Ratwithi Road. You can take many buses, including 70 from Chosen Road, 18, 28 or air-con bus number 10.