A Must See Place In Thailand: Tiger Temple...

The Tiger Temple

Monk is walking with tigers

Every day at this unusual "Tiger Temple," as many as 800 tourists or more a day to visit for their chance to interact,to get up close,and personal  with the endangered big cats.The tigers—several of which were born at the compound—live alongside monks and volunteers in what one temple handler called a beautiful blend of Buddhism and conservation.

Tiger Temple, or Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, is a a beautiful blend of Buddhism and conservation. hat was founded in 1994 as a forest temple and sanctuary for wild animals, among them several tigers, the majority of which are Indochinese tigers.

The temple is located in the Saiyok district of Thailand's Kanchanaburi province, not far from the border with Myanmar. The temple's abbot,began taking in abandoned and orphaned tigers in 1999, according to the temple's literature. Giving up or abandoning unwanted animals at temples is a common Buddhist practice that givers believe brings them good karma. Soon after the temple opened its gates to tourism around 2000, monks began breeding the tigers. The temple now cares for up to 16 of the predators at a time.

Visitor took a picture with a close up with tiger

They are NOW looking for volunteers who want  opportunity to study Buddhism and meditation methods as well as care for the tigers and develop community awareness. The work days are lengthy; from 7am to 5pm and volunteers are expected to work 6 days a week; but it is so worthwhile when the very first thing that begins your work day is a frolicking tiger cub.

In the mornings volunteers will be allocated to a variety of jobs which include: walking the tiger cubs, filling up milk bottles, deboning chickens and cleaning cages.The afternoon will be used either helping tourists, performing office work, data collection or aiding the veterinarian. A minimum of a 30 day stay is required, and a maximum of six months. Volunteering is FREE and meals and housing are offered at the monastery. Men and women are housed in separate rooms that include a western style restroom and electricity.

Please note: Take into account this IS a monastery so there are quite a couple of extra regulations such as: no jewelry or perfume, no sexual misconduct, no intoxication etc. Volunteers breaking these rules will have their contract terminated. If anyone interested please visit http://www.animalvolunteerwork.com/ for more detail

 Ref: http://EzineArticles.com/7495141