In an unexpected twist of fate, a British explorer named Sean King embarked on a peculiar journey to the long-lost realm of the abandoned Phuket Zoo. Known for his captivating YouTube channel @SeanKing5150, where he dives into the eerie world of deserted attractions, King’s latest adventure unearthed a tale so intriguing and startling, it might as well have been plucked from the pages of a thriller novel.
Picture this: amidst the entangled foliage and crumbling structures of the forsaken zoo, King assumed that any lingering animals had been safely transported to sanctuaries. News outlets had indeed reported that the zoo, shuttered in 2021 due to financial hardships intensified by the pandemic, had responsibly relocated its wildlife. But what King stumbled upon was both extraordinary and profoundly unsettling.
As he ventured deeper into the ghostly site, the atmosphere thick with neglect, Sean happened upon a rather mischievous pool. What he saw rippling beneath the murky waters was the stuff of legends—or nightmares. Startled, he exclaimed, “No way…mate, they are still in here. Nine, 10, 11…12 crocodiles. You’re having a laugh. Get them out of here!” Clearly, some residents of the zoo chose to extend their stay.
But the reptilian occupants weren’t the only souls clinging to this somber sanctuary. Our intrepid explorer also encountered a solitary tiger and a small herd of deer, hinting at ongoing care. An icebox filled with sausages bore testament to the lingering presence of life. Reflecting on his findings, King quipped with a tinge of disbelief, “Phuket Zoo was awful when it was open, and now it’s worse.”
Notorious in its heyday for alleged animal mistreatment, the zoo had been branded “hell on Earth for animals” by PETA. Remarkably, Phuket Zoo had previously captured headlines in 2021, during a high-profile rescue operation that saw 11 tigers whisked away to a sanctuary. This operation was the most significant single relocation of tigers in Thailand’s history, a beacon of hope amidst the controversy.
King’s haunting footage, laced with empathy, quickly caused ripples among viewers, reigniting demands for justice and aid. Comments poured in, like heartfelt pleas echoing across cyberspace, “I hope someone who can help sees this,” one viewer implored. Sometimes, all it takes is a bold soul saying, “Phuket, I’m going in!”
Originally heralded as a beacon of joy for animal enthusiasts, Phuket Zoo was another victim of the pandemic’s relentless grip on the tourism-dependent economy. As financial strain took hold, the institution shut its gates in 2020 after more than two decades of operation. This marked an end to an era that began in 1996, a chapter that was now closing with murmurs of unspoken memories.
The Zoo’s owner, Suriya Tanthaweewong, 42, reflected solemnly on the past, choosing instead to focus on current circumstances. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand had already undertaken the care of 11 tigers and several black bears previously housed at Phuket Zoo. However, the foundation faces a financial mountain, needing funds to create adequate enclosures for these majestic creatures.
Funding woes extend beyond individual foundations, casting a shadow over Thailand’s broader wildlife conservation efforts. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, formerly bolstered by a robust budget, now grapples with a drastic cut, its funds slashed from 80 million to a mere 30 million baht. This financial hemorrhage leaves animal welfare hanging in the balance, with a collective sigh of uncertainty echoing across Thailand’s lands.
In a world where anything could happen next, it’s clear that whether in the jungle or embedded in concrete walls, the future of Thailand’s wildlife calls for heroes willing to rise and face the tide of challenges head-on.
This is horrendous! How could they leave those poor animals behind?
It seems like a massive oversight. I wonder if there are any legal repercussions for the zoo.
I really hope so. They should be held accountable for such negligence.
This highlights the dark side of zoos. Exploiting animals for profit and then abandoning them is simply criminal!
Not all zoos are like this, though. Some actually work hard for conservation and education.
True, but it’s the irresponsible ones that give the rest a bad name. More regulations are needed.
Maybe this zoo was doomed from the start because of poor management.
I found Sean King’s discovery both exciting and saddening. These animals deserve better!
The government slashing wildlife funds is a huge problem. How are we supposed to protect animals like this?
Exactly! It’s frustrating that conservation isn’t prioritized when it should be.
Rescuing the tigers was a great step, but more needs to be done for the other creatures left behind.
Agreed, this story just highlights how much more support these efforts need.
Indeed, people need to get behind these funding efforts to make a lasting change.
Wasn’t this the zoo with all the complaints about animal mistreatment? It should have closed long ago!
I’m not convinced all of King’s claims are entirely accurate. Could be for views.
It breaks my heart to think of any animals suffering due to human negligence.
Same here. Why are animals always the ones paying the price for our mistakes?
It’s just so unfair, and entirely avoidable with the right kind of intervention.
Beyond the ethical debate, from a survival perspective, these animals are amazing for sticking it out.
True, it shows the tenacity of nature. But they still need help.
Absolutely. It’s inspiring yet distressing at the same time.
The focus on tourism economy is partly to blame here. Wildlife isn’t taken seriously.
What’s the point of spotting problems if nothing gets done? We all need to push for real change.
Exactly. Awareness is just the first step. We need a plan of action.
I visited the zoo years ago, and it was always run-down. This isn’t surprising to me at all.
I remember the same. Makes me question how it stayed open so long.
It’s not a local issue but a global one; governments everywhere need to prioritize wildlife conservation.
I’d love to see King start a crowdfunding campaign to help these animals. I’d definitely contribute!
Now that’s a fantastic idea! It could really make a difference.
Watching the video was shocking. I can’t believe what I saw.
It’s easy to point fingers, but what can we do to help these animals?
Volunteer with local wildlife rescue foundations or donate to legit causes.