Khao Pratap Chang Wildlife Center Plans Mini Zoo with 7.5M Baht Budget
Thailand's Khao Pratap Chang Wildlife Rescue Center in Ratchaburi is investing 7.5 million baht to transform 25 rai into a mini zoo slated to open in 2027. The facility currently cares for over 2,500 animals across 170 species and aims to become a conservation tourism and education hub along a popular travel route.
On November 12, 2026, at Wildlife Rescue Center No. 3 (Khao Pratap Chang) in Ratchaburi, Rachan Buasri, Director of Conservation Area Management Office 3 (Ban Pong), along with Chumpon Kaewket, Chief of Wildlife Rescue Center No. 3, outlined the center's mission to care for wildlife from the central region and injured animals, totaling over 2,500 individuals.
Chumpon reported the center currently houses 2,513 animals across 170 species in nine groups. Reptiles such as snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and iguanas dominate with 25 species and 798 individuals (31.8%). Common birds like golden pheasants, peafowl, and ducks also number 51 species and 798 individuals (31.8%). Other groups include small mammals and primates (31 species, 602 individuals, 24%), parrots and parakeets (17 species, 113 individuals, 4.5%), primates and small animals (15 species, 61 individuals, 2.4%), ungulates like deer and banteng (9 species, 58 individuals, 2.3%), carnivores such as tigers, leopard cats, and meerkats (10 species, 46 individuals, 1.8%), raptors (10 species, 33 individuals, 1.3%), and pangolins and armadillos (2 species, 4 individuals, 0.2%). The three most numerous species are iguanas, horned parakeets, and crab-eating macaques, together accounting for 1,757 animals, about 69.9% of the total.
Chumpon noted the center also handles foreign wildlife, including 78 orangutans repatriated to Indonesia over the past decade. In the last 4-5 years, there has been a trend of smuggling exotic pets such as Indian star tortoises, small primates like marmosets and common marmosets (priced around 500,000 baht each), lemurs, and raccoons. The center also cares for an anoa, a dwarf buffalo endemic to Sulawesi listed as Endangered by IUCN, seized from a boat smuggling attempt five years ago. Discussions with the Indonesian embassy are underway for its repatriation.
About 40% of native animals are released back into the wild, mostly injured or displaced birds. Foreign species generally cannot be released. Repatriation requires consent from the country of origin; for example, Myanmar star tortoises are not readily accepted back because Myanmar already has large populations. The center operates on an annual budget of only 2 million baht, supplemented occasionally by 300,000 baht from the Wildlife Conservation Office and donations of fruits, vegetables, and pellet feed from locals.
Rachan stated the center has now secured 7.5 million baht to develop 25 rai into a mini zoo, creating a new tourist attraction along the route connecting the Bee Garden and Chom Bueng, which already draws at least 2,000 visitors monthly. The plan includes improved facilities, landscaping, and enclosures for certain species, with completion targeted for 2027. Currently no admission fee is charged as the site is not yet ready, but fees may be introduced after opening, with rates determined in consultation with local communities. Services will not be...
