Chiang Mai Night Safari Introduces Rare Golden Tiger to Global Audience
In a stunning display of animal charisma, a three-year-old golden tiger named Ava has rapidly become an internet sensation, following in the viral footsteps of Thailand’s beloved baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng.
A rare genetic marvel
The Chiang Mai Night Safari in northern Thailand unveiled Ava on its Facebook page on November 19, triggering an unprecedented wave of online adoration. Within just two days, her photographs garnered over 34,000 likes and 24,000 shares, demonstrating the public’s fascination with this extraordinary feline.
Ava, born on February 16, 2021, is part of a rare genetic variant of the Bengal tiger known as the golden tiger. Her debut comes three weeks after her sister Luna’s, both born to parents originally imported from South Africa and the Czech Republic in July 2015.
Social media stardom and public reaction
Netizens have been quick to express their admiration for Ava. “Her face is so sweet,” one commenter wrote, while another noted, “She looks so clean, as if she takes 10 baths a day.” One particularly enthusiastic fan declared, “First Moo Deng, now Ava? Thailand is winning the cutest animals award.”
According to the safari’s caretakers, Ava is more than just a photogenic creature. She is described as sociable, playful, and remarkably friendly towards children. Visitors can observe Ava and Luna in the Tiger World zone between 11 am and 2 pm local time.
Following Moo Deng’s viral success
Ava’s rise to fame parallels that of Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo who has been an international sensation since September. Moo Deng’s popularity at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo boosted ticket sales by 19.2 million baht (US$587,000) between September 1 and 25 and attracted a dedicated Instagram following of 614,000.
A new chapter in wildlife tourism
The viral success of animals like Ava and Moo Deng highlights a growing trend of wildlife conservation parks leveraging social media to raise awareness and generate public interest in rare and endangered species.
As Ava continues to charm audiences worldwide, she represents not just a social media phenomenon but a powerful ambassador for wildlife conservation and education.
