An amazing part of our Thailand trip was the chance we had to interact with a "baby" tiger. While not cheap, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance so we dropped the cash on this and hoped for the best. It was not a disappointment. Feeding a baby tiger is more expensive than feeding an adult tiger but even this small 2-3-year-old tiger was very large. I cannot imagine trying to feed a full-grown tiger. The fur was so soft, the paws huge. It was nearly overwhelming; both for the sure size as well as the joy of interacting with them.
We handed our camera over to the staff and AFTER deleting about half of the photos taken we still have about 100+ photos of us with this magnificent creature. Here is a sampling of the pictures.
Hazel was never allowed to feed the tiger. I am not sure if it was because of her young age or the fact that they might want to eat her. The entire time she seemed interested but in a way, not 100% engaged in the situation. I started to wonder if she would remember this at all as she seemed to... not care? But I was proved wrong because for the rest of the trip she would ask me, "Dad, do you remember that time we got a feed a baby tiger?!?!"
And maybe this really is why they don't let small children in. They probably look like snacks to the tigers. This tiger (adult), once he caught sight of Hazel would not take his eyes off her. Kind of scary in a way.
And yes Zachary enjoyed it too. It did take some effort to make sure he was not pulling the fur or the tail but he did well.
Overall it was a very unique experience. One not soon to be forgotten.
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