Chiang Mai Zoo

The Chiang Mai zoo was started at its current location as a private collection of animals by Harold Young, an American missionary. In 1955, Chiang Mai city allowed this private zoo to expand to 24 acres. In 1977, the Zoological Park took over the private zoo after Mr. Young had passed away a few years earlier. In 1989, the Chiang Mai zoo was expanded to its current size of 200 acres.

The Chiang Mai zoo is a favorite attraction for kids. The zoo is easy to find, located at the base of the mountain on the road to Doi Suthep Temple. The animals seem to be well cared for and there are many opportunities to get close and even touch some of them.

There are many special features within the Chiang Mai zoo. A walkthrough aviary allows visitors to the zoo to get a up close view of over 800 birds. A freshwater aquarium holds over sixty species of freshwater fish, including the Giant Mekong Catfish. A new walkthrough aquarium is under construction. It is scheduled to open in October 2008.

Visitors to the Chiang Mai zoo now have a new, and less exhausting, way to travel around the 200+ acre zoo grounds. It is hoped the new system will ease the growing problems of pollution in the zoo, as previously private vehicles were allowed to drive around the zoo from cage to cage. The monorail costs 40 baht per person and is not included in the cost of admission.

Admission is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. The Chiang Mai zoo is open everyday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Return to the Chiang Mai Animals Page