Exotic Animals of Phuket
Phuket is an island rich not only in natural beauty and unique ecosystems but also in diverse exotic wildlife. Amazing marine creatures, exotic birds, and rare species of mammals make Phuket a place where everyone can immerse themselves in the world of tropical nature. Here, we’ll tell you about the exotic animals that inhabit Phuket, where you can see them, and how to interact with them when encountered.
Terrestrial wildlife of Phuket
Phuket is home to a variety of exotic animals that inhabit its lush landscapes. In the island’s forests, parks, and reserves, you can encounter different species of wildlife.
Monkeys. These playful animals are found everywhere, especially around temples and tourist attractions. For example, wild monkeys are abundant on the hill near Phuket Town, which is even nicknamed Monkey Hill.
Interacting with wild monkeys requires caution and respect to avoid provoking aggression. Here are some recommendations:
- Do not feed the monkeys. Feeding can disrupt their natural habits, and monkeys may become dependent on humans, losing their ability to find food on their own.
- Do not get too close. Monkeys are wild animals, and even if they seem friendly, they can suddenly become aggressive and bite. The consequences can be serious, including the need for rabies shots.
- Avoid direct contact. Never try to pet monkeys or pick them up. Some animals may perceive this as a threat or an attempt to take over their territory, which can lead to an attack.
- Stay calm. If a monkey approaches you, don’t scream or make sudden movements. Try to remain calm and avoid showing fear.
- Be wary of aggressive monkeys. Sometimes monkeys can be aggressive, especially if they are protecting their young or if there’s food nearby. If a monkey bares its teeth or growls, slowly move away from it.
- Don’t carry food with you. Monkeys might try to snatch your food, increasing the risk of an attack.
Phuket has been home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center for many years. Founded in 1992, its mission is to rehabilitate and protect gibbons suffering from illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and habitat loss. The center is located in Khao Phra Theaw National Park, where gibbons live in conditions as close to their natural environment as possible. They receive medical care, training, and socialization to prepare them for potential reintroduction into the wild.
Elephants are considered sacred animals in Thailand. You won’t find them roaming wild in Phuket; instead, they live in sanctuaries, zoos, or rescue centers. There are several places to see elephants in Phuket, but we recommend visiting only those where animals are treated ethically — where they aren’t forced to carry tourists or perform tricks. One of the ethical sanctuaries is the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, a rehabilitation center where elephants are the true kings of the jungle. They are well cared for and treated with kindness. Other elephant-friendly locations can also be found around the island.
Tigers and lions. Encountering a tiger in the wild in Phuket is impossible. These predators typically inhabit more remote regions of Thailand, such as national parks on the mainland. However, you can see tigers in Phuket at Tiger Park as well as in zoos.
Lions can also be seen in a special zoo in Phuket. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and see lion cubs up close, ranging in age from 2 months to 1 year.
Snakes and reptiles. Encountering venomous snakes in the tropical forests of Phuket is quite possible. We’ve written in detail about this and how to behave properly if you come across one here. However, most would agree that it’s much safer to observe these island inhabitants in designated areas. For this purpose, Phuket has a Snake Farm, where you can see a variety of exotic snakes and watch an impressive show featuring cobras and other venomous species.
Crocodiles. These large, predatory reptiles inhabit closed ecosystems in Phuket, such as farms and zoos, where they are kept under special conditions. You can see crocodiles in Phuket at the Crocodile Farm, where you can observe these fearsome reptiles, feed them, and even watch an exciting show.
Birds. Phuket is home to many exotic birds, both native and brought from other regions. Among them are colorful macaws, cockatoos, toucans, wild roosters, flamingos, and lorikeets. However, spotting these unusual birds in the wild can be quite challenging. For a closer look, it’s best to visit a dedicated sanctuary — Phuket Bird Park, where exotic birds are displayed in all their splendor.
Marine wildlife of Phuket
Phuket is a true paradise for marine life enthusiasts. The waters of the Andaman Sea are home to a wide variety of marine creatures, from coral reefs to the deep sea. On and around the island, you can find:
Sea turtles – these ancient creatures are mainly found around Sirinat National Park, as well as near coral reefs and coastal rocks around the Racha and Similan Islands. Turtles usually come ashore at night to lay their eggs.
Particularly noteworthy is the leatherback sea turtle, which also inhabits Phuket’s waters. This turtle is considered one of the largest species — adults can reach up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh around 600 kilograms.
You can see turtles at the Marine Turtle Conservation Center in Khao Lak. Founded in 1985, this center focuses on the rehabilitation and release of injured sea turtles and the preservation of their population. The center has a total of 9 small stations, each equipped with a shelter and a pool for the turtles. In each pool, you can find 10 to 30 sea turtles of different ages swimming freely.
Dolphins. These incredibly cute and intelligent mammals can sometimes be spotted during boat trips to nearby islands. If you don’t manage to see dolphins in the wild, you can observe them in special places like the Dolphinarium and the Oceanarium, where you can also see sharks and a variety of tropical fish.
Sharks. About 30 species of sharks inhabit the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. In remote, deep-sea areas, you can find enormous whale sharks, while near the coast, you’re more likely to encounter less aggressive and dangerous reef sharks. We’ve covered this topic in detail in the article Dangerous Marine Creatures of Phuket. Spoiler: while it is possible to encounter a shark in the wild, it’s rare, so there’s no need to be overly worried about such encounters.
Be sure to explore Phuket, including its rich wildlife. Our website sections Zoo Parks, Elephants, Excursions, and Diving will help you with this.
