I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive. I was finally en route to the Wat Pa Luangta Yanasampanno Forest Monastery in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, better known as the Tiger Temple. It is a Buddhist monastery which cares for orphaned and injured animals, especially tigers. The place is unique because it allows visitors to hold full-grown tigers on a leash and walk with them under a monk’s supervision. On the one hand, I was excited to get the opportunity to be with a tiger up close and personal but, on the other hand, I was a little concerned because of all the stories I had heard about the tiger’s unpredictable nature.
The signs at the entrance to the monastery didn’t make me feel any better. They warned visitors not to wear any hot colors such as red or orange since those hues might provoke the tigers to attack! The signs also warned against wearing perfume. Fortunately, I was safe on both accounts. I also had to sign a waver stating that I would not hold the monastery liable for any injuries.
My purpose in going to the Temple was not only to meet the tigers, but also to ask the head of the monastery, Abbot-Pra Acharn Phoosit (Chan), for permission to do a Guinness record there. I brought along my friend, Nayak, who speaks Thai, but as it turns out, it wasn’t necessary. The Abbot spoke fluent English. I was immediately taken by the Abbot’s serenity and childlike nature. It was he who started the practice of caring for the animals when he first adopted a tiger cub after its mother had been killed by poachers. I told him about my love for animals and showed him photos of me pogo stick jumping while holding a dog and hopping with an owl perched on my finger.
My proposal was that I would skip, (like children skip down the street, without a jump rope) for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in the fastest time and skip the last 25 meters while being accompanied by a tiger! The compassionate Buddhist thought about my plan and smiled, but didn’t say yes or no. Instead, he said, “Let us go for a walk with a tiger.” It’s funny, but all my misgivings had mysteriously vanished. I had complete confidence that everything would be fine.
We walked out of the Abbot’s residence to the area where the tigers lived and we were joined by a monk and an assistant who were leading a 4 year-old male tiger. I was given the tiger’s leash and told to walk beside the giant cat and not to go ahead. The Abbot also told me to put my hand on the tiger’s back so the tiger would know that I was in control! Wow! I certainly didn’t feel like I was in control! But I could tell the Abbot was monitoring the tiger’s every move.
After we walked for a while, the tiger stopped and sat down at a place where a crowd had gathered. I began petting him, but suddenly the 250 kilo (550 pound) animal growled and his ears went back. Not good signs! The Abbot told me to back away immediately. Believe me, I didn’t need any convincing!
Then the tiger walked over to a tree, stood on its hind legs and scratched the bark with its claws, just like an overgrown house cat! It was cool to watch.
The Abbot didn’t actually tell me that he approved of me doing the record at the Temple, but I found out indirectly that I had passed the test. Shortly before the the tiger cubs were brought out for the public to look at, the Abbot seemed delighted about something. He walked over to another monk, pointed to me and with a chuckle declared, “This man is going to set a world record with one of our tigers!”
On our way back to his residence, I thanked the Abbot and asked him if he was afraid of the tigers. He said that he wasn’t. Then I asked him why, although I already knew the answer. He looked at me as if a little surprised by my question and then quietly replied, “Because they are my friends.”
