The owner of Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chon Buri stepped out to deny reports that it decided to close its doors for good after 24 years of service.
The rumour spread all day that the privately-run zoo, which has operated for more than three decades, and is best known for its collection of Bengal tigers, was to close permanently due to the financial crunch brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On its website, the zoo said it would close to visitors from April 30. But Sumeth Panyasakhon, managing director of Sriracha Crocodile Farm Co, said the zoo was merely closing for 14 days as part of efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 after the province was designated as a maximum and strict control zone.
He said Sriracha Crocodile Farm has looked after the zoo for over 10 years and took it over from the former owner who now runs the zoo on an yearly basis.
He said the firm has asked the zoo operator to remove messages which had caused the misunderstanding.
He also assured the public that the animals were getting good care despite the zoo's loss of income due to a sharp drop in visitors, especially Chinese tourists, he said.