Day 7 - Kathu, Phuket - Tigers!

I wanted to get out of Patong today, and do something a little different, so I decided to play with tigers. Aaahhh!!! What a great day it was! (Disclaimer #1: I made sure it was a clean and humane facility, and the cats weren't drugged, prior to going... Disclaimer #2: I'm torn on whether or not I'm okay with wild animals being kept in captivity, because I've heard compelling arguments for both sides - relating to awareness, conservation, and the sacrifice of a few captive animals bringing in money for rehabilitation or education.)
The experience really was once-in-a-lifetime. I fed and played with 3 month old cubs and cuddled with 4 year old giants, that made my heart nearly beat out of my chest. Knowing that at any moment they could literally kill you, was terrifying and thrilling to say the least. I kept wanting to pinch myself, thinking you could never do this in the US!!

The fatty above almost crushed me when he rolled over onto his back so I could rub his belly. :)

I did have a bit of a scare when the female got pissy. I was sitting beside her, petting her hind end, and she put her ears back, did a roar/growl and got up and turned at me. The trainer yelled to me STAND, STAND and then whacked her with a stick and said a command in Thai. Part of it was actually caught in the photo below. You can see me scrambling to stand up behind her, and her angry stance. That was heart stopping!!!

Such an amazing day. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face the entire afternoon, even when the rain came and kept me in my room.
Just battled the rain to grab some Pad Thai and a beer to-go, and I'll spend the rest of the evening figuring out my transportation to Phi Phi island, where I'll be headed in a couple of days.