CHONBURI — Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director investigates incident and sends a representative to file a police report about a foreign tourist who used a slingshot within the zoo premises.
Following a post on TikTok showing a video of a visit to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where a foreign tourist in a tour group was seen using slingshots within the zoo area, with the caption “This is not cute at all,” the incident has become a widely criticized topic online.
Most netizens condemned the tourist’s action as inappropriate and disrespectful of zoo regulations. Some also called for the tour company to take responsibility for their clients’ behavior and for the perpetrators to be punished.
Recently, Mr. Narongwit Chodchoy, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, revealed that he has seen the post with the image and text about the incident. The clip doesn’t clearly show what was being shot at. Currently, they are urgently investigating the matter. The zoo has outlined the following action plan:
– Send a letter to the tour company regarding this issue.
– Request the original video clip to support the police report.
– Ask visitors who witnessed the incident to immediately inform zoo staff so they can intervene and warn the offenders on the spot.
Subsequently, Narongwit stated that he had sent staff to file a complaint at Sri Racha Police Station. Regarding the charges, it would be up to the police to determine which laws were violated. Today, tourist police also came to inspect the area.
Narongwit stated that initially, it was unclear what the tourists were shooting at, as there were no animals in that area. However, if it’s found that they shot and hit an animal, it would be considered a violation of the Prevention of Cruelty and Animal Welfare Act. As for the tourists appearing in the clip, they are believed to be Chinese or Taiwanese, which is currently under investigation.
“If anyone witnesses any acts that could be considered animal abuse, we urge them to immediately notify the staff so that we can promptly intervene and provide guidance,” he said.
He also reiterated, pleading with visitors to refrain from throwing objects at the animals in the zoo, as it could injure them. He emphasized the importance of respecting and maintaining good manners when visiting the zoo, such as not shouting loudly or throwing things at the animals. These behaviors are inappropriate not only in zoos but also in public places in general. It’s crucial to respect the rules of each venue.
Regarding preventive measures, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around various exhibit areas and assigned animal caretakers during peak visitor times. If any violations against animals are found, legal action will be taken to the fullest extent. He wants everyone to love and cherish the animals as if they were their own children because they are living beings who can feel and perceive like humans.
Narongwit had warned visitors before when some threw seashells at Moo Deng, the celebrity hippo, while she was sleeping because they wanted to see her run and play.
“The most important thing is that we must respect and have good manners when visiting these animals. We shouldn’t shout or throw objects at them. These behaviors are not appropriate for zoo visits, and we must respect the rules of the place,” he said.
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