By D.Arul Rajoo

CHONBURI (Thailand), April 26 (Bernama) -- Visitors to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thailand's largest zoo, can expect to be mersmerised by the "Journey to the Jungle" revolutionary concept in wildlife presentation developed by a Malaysian company.

Dr D. Ratna Kumar, founder and director of HKS Designer and Consultancy International Co Ltd, said visitors can watch animals experiencing activities much in the same way they would if they were in the wild.

"This is a presentation without human contact. Unlike at the circus or in normal shows in a zoo, there will be no one guiding the animals throughout the 40-minute adventure," he said in an interview here.

Dr Ratna said the "Journey to the Jungle", which took one year and 20 million baht (about RM2 million) to develop, is an amazing visual spectacle of the wonders of nature, with the stage set a scene typical of the mysterious wilds of the natural world.

"Journey to the Jungle will bring you closer to the majesty of predators and other jungle denizens. We have big cats such as tigers and mountain lions to otters and servals. Raptors will soar and circle above the audience," said the veterinary specialist who established an animal consultancy firm in Thailand 12 years ago.

Dr Ratna, whose company had worked on projects in 12 facilities in five countries, said the presentation was an educational conservation-based experience that enables visitors to get up close with and appreciate one of the most endangered species on the planet.

"This journey is produced with the goal of heightening our respect and appreciation for our rapidly dwindling natural world. Through this one-of-a-kind wildlife experience, we are sure visitors will be empowered to champion and support worldwide wildlife conservation efforts," he said.

Asked how the animals were taught to present themselves, Dr Ratna said they were given training and rewards, in terms of food, from point to point.

He said that with the new event, the 1,000-hectare Khao Kheow Zoo overlooking natural jungle is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors a year from its current one million, adding that the company was keen to offer such shows to other zoos or parks throughout the world.

The zoo is located about 90 minutes' drive from Bangkok and 30 minutes from Pattaya.

The company is also involved in a leopard-breeding project at the zoo and is currently undertaking redesigning of the Byculla Zoo in Mumbai, India.

-- BERNAMA