Shocking Incident at Khao Kheow Open Zoo: Tourists’ Misuse of Slingshots Sparks Outcry

In the sunny climes of Chon Buri, a splendid attraction that often has visitors flocking with glee is none other than Khao Kheow Open Zoo. A sanctuary thriving with vibrant wildlife, it promises not just an enthralling experience but an opportunity to marvel at creatures roaming in thoughtfully constructed habitats. However, it seems that not everyone treats this slice of paradise with the respect it deserves. A recent incident involving a group of Chinese tourists has stirred quite the clamor both within the zoo and on social media platforms like TikTok.

This particular TikTok video, captioned cleverly yet critically as “Not cute at all,” went viral after being posted by an observant netizen. It depicted these tourists—ably chaperoned by their guide—misusing a slingshot within the zoo’s esteemed Tiger Valley. For those unfamiliar, this area is home to some of the zoo’s most magnificent feline inhabitants, making it particularly disheartening to see such reckless behavior unfold there.

Taking immediate action to address this, the zoo’s head of security, the vigilant Mr. Krittaphas Intipanya, stepped into the limelight on a bustling Monday. Under the directive of Narongwit Chodchoy, the prudent zoo director, Mr. Intipanya reported the event to the Sri Racha Police Station. The aim was clear and commendable: to thwart the potential for similar mishaps in future.

In a candid revelation, Mr. Krittaphas elaborated that, interestingly, zoo staff often carry slingshots themselves—not as tools of mischief, but rather as deterrents to keep overly curious monkeys at bay. These precocious primates, emboldened by the prospect of snatching a snack from unsuspecting tourists, occasionally require a gentle reminder to keep their distance.

However, employing such tools without sanction and against the welfare of the animals crosses a line. The zoo director, deeply concerned by the tourists’ misguided use of slingshots and its potential to trigger further episodes of animal mistreatment, took decisive steps by filing a formal complaint. But the zoo didn’t stop there. In a proactive bid to protect its cherished residents, letters were dispatched to tour companies, urging them to forewarn their clients: leave the slingshots at home, and let respect for the animals be paramount.

Remarkably, this isn’t the first bout of misbehavior casting a shadow over Khao Kheow’s joyful milieu. It wasn’t long ago when the antics of visitors were flagged yet again on TikTok. This earlier kerfuffle involved the zoo’s adorable pygmy hippopotamus calf, affectionately known as Moo Deng. Captured on camera were tourists lamely tossing seashells and absurdly pouring water onto the slumbering calf, antics that left viewers aghast.

In response to these human foibles, Mr. Chodchoy, ever proactive, introduced tighter visitation rules. State-of-the-art CCTV cameras now strategically overlook popular enclosures, their vigilant lenses ensuring the safety of the zoo’s precious residents.

The charm of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, undoubtedly, lies in its promise of wonder and discovery. But that wonder comes with a responsibility—to both inspire and protect. For visitors, it remains a place to witness nature’s splendor, unencumbered by the unwelcome ripple of thoughtless actions. Let every guest aspire to be a steward of that balance, ensuring that the gentle rhythms of zoo life continue harmoniously, just as nature intended.