My New Pets

Okay....... so they're not exactly pets and unfortunately they're not mine, but while we were in Kanchanaburi, we got to visit "The Tiger Temple" where a bunch of monks (and other volunteers) take care of tigers. It is supposedly a sanctuary for wild, orphaned animals, although there is some controversy about this. Either way, it was so amazing to be with the tigers, walk amongst them, pet them, play with them and take photos with them!

They're just big, lazy kitty cats!

Or maybe not so lazy..... :)

The tigers are exercised in the morning and then fed around 11:30 a.m. The Temple opens up for visitors around noon. By this time, it's the hottest part of the day and the tigers have full bellies, so they are starting to feel sleepy - the perfect time for a nap, as well as, the safest time for visitors to be around them. Some people think the tigers are sleepy because they're drugged, but it's only because it's siesta time!

This one wanted his belly rubbed!

Look at those big, velvety paws!!

We got lots of great photos with them!

The little "toddler" tigers were so much fun to watch as they romped and wrestled in a little pond.
We even got to play with them a little....

This is my favorite little guy - he was just sitting around waiting to be cuddled. Even though he's just a "toddler," he's got huge paws!!! His paw is in my hand and it's so big that it pretty much covers mine!
The tigers were my favorite part of the whole weekend. It was amazing to be so close to such huge beasts! I can't wait to get to heaven where they won't have to be tied up or behind fences! Then I'll really play with the tigers and they'll all be my pets!! :)