Khao Kheow Open Zoo Hosts Animal Conservation Day

This year’s Animal Conservation Day celebration was held with the purpose of educating people about animal conservation and how to correctly look after pets. There was also an exhibition concerning global warming and the effect it has on animals. Guests also got to set long neck crane birds and white-headed ibis birds free.

Mr. Suriya said, “Khao Kheow Open Zoo has always paid special attention to conserving all kinds of animals whether they are rare or not. We also concentrate on expanding species as well as investigating the best living conditions for them. The highlight of the day was the freeing of 20 whiteheaded ibis birds and 10 ground lizards.

Releasing the white-headed ibis birds back to nature was important because we breed them ourselves from birds that we have under our care. These birds are becoming very hard to find in the wild so by releasing them they will be able to grow and reproduce more birds of their kind.”

“We hope that it will be a success like the spotted-billed pelican bird that we released ten years ago. The spotted-billed pelican bird was becoming rare until we released a group of them into the wild where they were able to grow in their natural surroundings and reproduce. As
for the ground lizards, they have been hunted for food and many died because their habitat has been destroyed. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has been reproducing ground lizards with a few ground lizards that we have and releasing them so they can grow and reproduce and won’t become extinct,” added Mr. Suriya.

On the day there were also fun activities for children such as them Global Warming Poster competition and the Plant conservation exhibition. The event was well attended by students and the local residents.

Not only is December 26 Animal Conservation Day but it is also the National Disaster Prevention Day.