Brit content creator Sean King wasn’t alone in the abandoned Phuket Zoo.
A British content creator’s visit to the abandoned Phuket Zoo turned into a startling experience, uncovering unexpected remnants of the defunct wildlife park. Sean King, who documents his explorations across Asia on YouTube (@SeanKing5150), ventured into the zoo, expecting an empty, desolate space. However, what he found left him and his viewers shocked.
Exploring the Ghost of Phuket Zoo
Located near the Mueang Phuket district in Thailand, the Phuket Zoo once housed a variety of exotic animals, including tigers, elephants, monkeys, and bears. Despite its popularity, the private zoo became notorious for its poor treatment of animals. Labeled a “hell on Earth for animals” by PETA, it closed its doors permanently in 2021 due to financial issues exacerbated by the pandemic.
In June 2023, Sean King decided to explore the abandoned site after researching its history. He learned that a large-scale rescue operation had reportedly relocated the zoo’s animals to nearby sanctuaries. But during his visit, he discovered this wasn’t entirely true.
Startling Discoveries
As Sean wandered through the dilapidated grounds, he noticed that most structures were reduced to rubble, with remnants like visitor toilet blocks still standing. His curiosity led him to a seemingly ominous pool, where he made a shocking discovery: a dozen crocodiles lurking beneath the murky water.
“No way, f**k! Mate, they are still in here,” Sean exclaimed in disbelief. Counting the reptiles, he realized the pool held at least twelve camouflaged crocodiles. “This is abandoned! Get them out of here,” he said, visibly unsettled.
To confirm their presence, Sean tossed an object into the water. The reaction of the crocodiles, emerging from their hiding spots, reinforced his fears. “I do not want a crocodile on my leg,” he added, deciding it was time to move on.
Other Animals Left Behind
Sean’s exploration didn’t end with the crocodiles. Further into the grounds, he stumbled across a herd of deer and even a lone tiger. Evidence suggested that someone had been feeding these animals, as Sean spotted an ice box filled with sausages near the tiger’s enclosure.
“Poor f**king thing,” he lamented, describing the sight of the tiger as outrageous. “Phuket Zoo was probably the worst zoo when it was open, and now it’s even worse.”
Public Outcry and Animal Welfare
Before its closure, Phuket Zoo faced intense criticism for its animal welfare practices. PETA reported that its closure marked the largest single placement of tigers in a sanctuary in Thailand’s history. By June 2022, all remaining animals were believed to have been relocated, but Sean’s video has raised questions about whether some were left behind.
Viewers were quick to express their outrage and concern after watching Sean’s footage. “I hope someone who can help these animals sees this,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “What a sorry state of affairs. They need to be held accountable.”
A Concerning Reality
Sean’s visit to the abandoned zoo sheds light on the aftermath of poorly managed wildlife facilities. His findings highlight the ongoing challenges of ensuring animal welfare, even after such establishments shut down. For now, his video has sparked renewed attention to the plight of animals in abandoned facilities, with many hoping it will lead to further action.