Pandemic Strains Thailand’s Animal Attractions
With the whole tourist world closing its doors, Thailand’s animal‑theme parks—from gentle petting zoos to massive elephant camps and even tiger farms—are feeling the squeeze. Some may even have to part ways with their furry friends.
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand’s Tight Spot
Located about 170 km (106 miles) southwest of Bangkok on land kindly donated by a nearby temple, the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is on a noble mission: rescue animals that end up abandoned or exploited in the country. But the pandemic has turned the tide of fortune for them.
- Zero visitors for the past six months
- Lost roughly 75 % of income
- Facing tough decisions about animal care and future plans
“For the last six months we have got zero visitors and lost about 75 per cent of our income,” says founder Edwin Wiek. “The lockdowns have hit us harder than the elephants we’re supposed to rescue.”
While tourists were busy sheltering in place, the refuge has been stuck in a limbo of no visitors, no revenue—turning a place meant for compassion into a quiet, hopeful waiting room.
What’s Next for the Animals?
With the economy heating up, the animals still face an uncertain future. The sanctuary’s leadership is exploring every possibility: volunteer help, online donations, and possibly re‑home options if the financial strain continues.
Meanwhile, if you find yourself sprawled on a sunny Thai beach, remember: you’re part of a chain that keeps these creatures safe and sounds a bit like a modern rescue story.
<img alt="" data-caption="Edwin Wiek, founder of Widlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) sanctuary.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”1e523819-5059-478c-81fa-7d9aba447090″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200827_edwin_reuters.jpg”/>
From a Chimp‑Cage to a Cuddly Cause: Wiek’s Four‑Day Fund‑raising Mission
Picture this: a former chimp‑cage, a makeshift stage, and one person determined to raise $25,000 (≈ S$34,150). That’s exactly what Wiek did over four sleepless days, all for the benefit of a sanctuary that feeds and shelters animals in Thailand.
What’s The Kick‑off?
- Changeling the inside of an old chimp‑enclosure into a camp‑fire‑style “bid‑once‑you‑give” setup.
- Fund‑raising goal: $25,000 to cover meals, veterinary care, and keep quiet for upcoming visitors.
- Everything raised goes straight to the sanctuary’s regular costs.
Why This Matters Now
Wiek warns that by 2025 many Thai attractions will be basically “animal coupons” with no revenue. In a climate where tourists have bumped from a record 39.8 million in 2019 to just 8 million this year, the regional economy is sliding into its steepest downturn since 1998.
That financial slump means:
- Animal shelters rely more on volunteer hand‑outs.
- There’s a practical risk of “giving away” animals for good.
- Awareness is key—help keeps them alive.
About the Sanctuary
Home for 800+ animals and a monthly bill of roughly $4,000, the sanctuary usually runs on a volunteer workforce. Unfortunately, it’s now reduced to a single volunteer—so the community truly needs to step up.
Quick Takeaways
- Fund‑raising: $25,000 raised in 4 days.
- Tourism Fall: 39.8 million visitors (2019) down to 8 million (2025 forecast).
- Sanctuary Size: 800+ animals; monthly expense: $4,000.
- Key Challenge: Volunteers are scarce.
So, if you’ve got a spare cup of coffee or a spare bit of cash, remember: every contribution helps keep these animals thriving and gives the sanctuary a fighting chance against the looming economic crunch.
<img alt="" data-caption="An elephant walks at Widlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) santuary.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c8030059-764e-4804-a81a-eaeaa044f65b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200827_elephant_reuters.jpg”/><img alt="" data-caption="Bears at their enclosure at Widlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) sanctuary.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”aa39d2be-a014-42de-a926-f85c90d0ac69″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200827_bears_reuters.jpg”/>
Rhi Menmuir: Feeding Animals & Facing a Quality Crunch
At just 22 years old, Rhi Menmuir has been a knight‑in‑shining‑armor—well, and a kitchen wizard—at the sanctuary for seven months now. She’s on double fault, whipping up animal meals twice a day, because everyone at the sanctuary knows that a hungry creature today is a hungry creature tomorrow.
“The Food’s Not as Crunchy Anymore”
“I’ve noticed that the food quality has dipped a bit,” Rhi confides, “and not for nothing.” She comes from Scotland, but her heart beats in rhythm with the animals here.
Wiek’s Concerns: Quantity vs. Quality
Wiek, the sanctuary’s senior caretaker, isn’t shy about the strain. “The pressure to take in more animals is squeezing our care standards,” she says, “and we only have the budget for another six to eight weeks.”
She’s not just fretting; she’s balancing a dilemma. “Matching the number of animals with the level of care I want to give them is a hard problem I’m seriously worried about.”
- “We’re doing our best, but we’re running on the fire of hope and a thin line of budget.”
- “Every animal deserves to taste something tasty—if not now, then whenever we get the funds.”
Post‑Corona Update
With COVID‑19 still having an impact on local funding, keep an eye on the latest community updates—no link needed, just ask the group coordinator or catch the weekly bulletin.
