Ava, the very cutesy baby tiger from Chiang Mai
If you haven’t heard of Ava the Tiger yet, you’re missing out on the newest internet sensation. This three-year-old Bengal tiger from the Chiang Mai Night Safari is stealing hearts with her playful antics and stunning golden coat, a rare trait caused by a recessive gene. Known as the ‘strawberry tiger’ or ‘golden tiger,’ Ava’s unique look and sweet personality are making waves on social media.
Ava: a new star born on social media
Ava, the three-year-old ‘golden tiger,’ became an overnight sensation thanks to her playful personality and unique look. From splashing around to playing hide-and-seek with her caretakers, she’s got people hooked. Fans have nicknamed her the ‘strawberry tiger’ and compare her star power to Moo Deng, the baby pygmy hippo who once ruled Chon Buri’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s spotlight.
But Ava isn’t the only standout here. The internet has been buzzing about the hyenas at the safari, who are far from the scary reputation they usually have. Instead, these hyenas are stealing the show with their big, bright eyes and friendly gestures. There’s even a photo of a hyena calmly letting a caretaker scratch its chin and people can’t get enough of it.
เขาเขียวเลี้ยงตัวอะไรก็แปลก เชียงใหม่ไนท์เลี้ยงตัวอะไรก็แบ๊ว ไฮยีน่ายืนตาแป๋วให้เกาคางคือไรก่อน ครูพละหัวใจกุ๊กกิ๊ก 55555 https://t.co/BPBIkcoFaA pic.twitter.com/EY2Zuc550n
— 703_( ε ☉▽☉) 💙 (@703_hiddenwolf) October 23, 2024
Recent highlight posts about Ava
A few days ago, Ava starred in a video with her caretaker, and the caption said it all: ‘If she slays, Ava has to slay too.’ They were both serving looks, on top of the world and absolutely unstoppable!
@chiangmainightsafari เอวาคุณหนูติดแกลม 🐯 #เชียงใหม่ไนท์ซาฟารี #เสือโคร่งสีทอง #น้องเอวา #เดินชมสัตว์ #นั่งรถชมสัตว์ #สัตว์โลกน่ารัก #สวนสัตว์tiktok #เชียงใหม่หวานเจี๊ยบ #ทริปนี้ที่รอคอย #ปลายฝนต้นหนาว #หนาวนี้ที่เชียงใหม่ ♬ Little Fairy Space – Tukang Bakso Viral
A few days ago, a viral post showed Ava looking adorably innocent, with a caption that completely didn’t match her cute face. It said, ‘ดุแบบเสือเชียงใหม่คำรามว่าป้อคิงหยัง,’ which roughly translates to ‘Fierce like a Chiang Mai tiger roaring, screw your dad.’ It’s hilarious because, with her sweet, naive expression, the only roar Ava could manage would probably be a soft ‘meow’!
ดุแบบเสือเชียงใหม่คำรามว่าป้อคิงหยัง https://t.co/QIYeOqXq1o
— ૮꒰˵• ﻌ •˵꒱ა (@awwwfluffy) November 20, 2024
That’s not all, Ava’s cuteness and beauty have officially earned her the title of ‘Chiang Mai’s visual.’ With her flawless skin, mesmerising eyes, and that doll-like charm, she’s the ultimate star of the moment. Everyone’s calling her the face of Chiang Mai, because let’s be real, she’s totally shining right now!
กรี๊ดดดดดด น้องเอวา น่ารักมากกกกกกก เหมือนตุ๊กตาเลยอะ อร๊ายยยยยยยยยย💕 pic.twitter.com/CIsz5R3IPv
— sad boy . (@bbigkachu) November 20, 2024
More than a pretty face
Ava’s story isn’t just about her looks, she’s raising awareness for tiger conservation. Bengal tigers face big challenges like habitat loss and poaching, and Ava’s growing popularity helps shine a light on these issues. Chiang Mai Night Safari uses her fame to educate visitors on how they can support conservation efforts for big cats like Ava.
Battle of the zoos: Khao Kheow’s fun side vs. Chiang Mai’s cuteness overload
The vibe at Chiang Mai Night Safari has also sparked a hilarious online debate comparing it to Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Fans joke that while Khao Kheow is known for raising ‘energetic’ and even ‘weird’ animals, Chiang Mai Night Safari has a knack for creating the cutest, tamest stars. One tweet went viral, saying:
“Khao Kheow raises the weirdest animals. Chiang Mai Night Safari? Every animal looks ready for a photoshoot. Even the hyenas are out here with puppy-dog eyes lol.”
It’s all in good fun, but the unique character of each zoo has people wanting to visit both for very different experiences.
Want to meet Ava?
Want to see Ava in person? Chiang Mai Night Safari is just 10km from downtown Chiang Mai, making it an easy stop for tourists. Whether it’s Ava’s playful antics, the meerkats’ curious stares, or the hyenas’ unexpected charm, every moment here feels like a highlight reel.
Tickets available for Chiang Mai Night Safari
| Ticket Option | Thai Adult | Thai Child | Foreign Adult | Foreign Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking zone and shows | 50 baht | 25 baht | 100 baht | 50 baht |
| Night safari (includes tram ride) | 300 baht | 125 baht | 800 baht | 400 baht |
| Day safari and shows (includes tram ride) | 200 baht | 100 baht | 800 baht | 400 baht |
Opening hours
The Chiang Mai Night Safari is open every day from 11am to 10pm (tickets available until 9pm). Hop on a tram ride every 30 minutes starting at 6.50pm and explore the magic of the safari under the stars!
No matter if you’re here to see Ava’s stunning golden coat, fall for the adorable hyenas, or just check out a one-of-a-kind nocturnal zoo, Chiang Mai Night Safari has it all. Don’t miss your chance to meet Ava and her super cute crew, they’re the stars you didn’t know you needed!
FAQs about Ava the tiger
Who is Ava?
Ava is a three-year-old golden tiger cub residing at Chiang Mai Night Safari, known for her striking golden fur and charming demeanor.
Where can I see Ava?
Visitors can see Ava in the Tiger World zone at Chiang Mai Night Safari, which is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
How did Ava become popular?
Ava gained popularity through social media, where her photos and videos have been widely shared, captivating netizens with her beauty and playful nature.
What is a golden tiger?
Golden tigers, also referred to as strawberry tigers, are a rare genetic mutation that results in their distinct golden coat. They are even rarer than white tigers, with estimates suggesting fewer than 100 exist globally.
What are the concerns regarding golden tigers?
The emergence of golden tigers has raised concerns among conservationists about potential inbreeding issues within isolated tiger populations, as their rarity could indicate genetic problems.
