Of course, standing 10 unobstructed yards from two giant, man-eating beasts having a go at each other is a bit disquieting. It is, however, also a very moving experience standing amongst seven large tigers in this quiet and natural environment. Besides, having been raised by humans, the tigers seem, by and large, disinterested in visitors, who can even pose next to the tigers for photographs. Indeed, the red dirt and complimenting orange of the monks' robes and tigers' stripes makes it both a tranquil and very photogenic scene.

Monk with Tiger

Today, the sanctuary is not only maintaining a refuge for orphaned, wild tigers, but also breeding the tigers to help preserve the endangered felines. Sang Tawan (Sunshine), mistrustful of humans after having her nose cut when captured by Karen villagers, has given birth to four cubs over the past year. Her first two cubs, now age nine months, were raised directly by the temple staff, as Sang Tawan appeared not to know how to care for them. Her next litter of two was born four months later and the pair successfully nursed off their mother. Unfortunately, both of the cubs contracted an illness, apparently from contact with a visitor, and only five-month-old Fa Mai (New Day) has survived.

Since visitor contributions are the main source of income for the sanctuary, it seems necessary to allow these visitors to interact with the young tiger cubs. Feeding these enormous felines (weighing up to 180kg) a steady diet of dog food costs the reserve about 3,000 baht a day. Constructing new quarters for the tigers will cost a great deal more. Mandatory visitor contributions (farang) are 100 baht, but the conservancy also accepts greatly needed donations through direct deposit and with sales of postcards and other tourist memorabilia.

While some may argue that the tigers should not be kept in captivity, having been raised by humans, these tigers would have great difficulty surviving in the wild. Luang Ta Chan, acknowledging that his "pet" wild animals would not survive in the real wilderness, is planning to develop the area behind the temple into a 30 rai (12 acre) forest reserve to be known as "Tiger Island." There, these well-pampered, semi-wild animals will be set free to live their lives in a more natural environment. Groups of researchers will be invited to study their adaptation behavior and when new generations of tigers are strong and "wild" again, they will be released into the Tung Yai Naresuan National Park.

Regardless of one's opinion on how, or even if, the tigers should be stabled, considering that there are only an estimated 150-200 Indochinese tigers living in the wild in Thailand, the Tiger Conservation Project's efforts to successfully raise seven adult tigers and breed three others is an honorable accomplishment. With encroachment on their land by farmers and developers, and poachers continuing to hunt them down, Thailand's tiger population is in need of assistance such as that provided by Luang Ta Chan and the Tiger Conservation Project. If you have an opportunity to go and see these magnificent creatures, your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Wat Paluangtabua Yannasampanno is located in Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi, approximately 37 kilometers along highway 323. In addition to preserving wildlife, the temple serves to propagate Buddhism and provide a serene environment for practicing meditation. Accommodation is available for those interested in meditation. Individuals wishing to make contributions or practice meditation can contact the temple at 03-453-1557(8) or visit the temple's English language or Thai-language web site.