In the 1950s American missionary Harold Mason Young, acting as a CIA spy and advisor to border patrol policemen began to help injured animals. Realising that it was a good cover for his more stealthy activities he expanded his collection and opened them up to visitors. The Chiang Mai Provincial Government decided to donate some land to his collection and in 1954 the first zoo was opened. In 1977, following Young’s death, the Zoological Park Organisation under the patronage of the King of Thailand took over the zoo and expanded it to its current size of 531 rai of beautiful land in the foothills of the Suthep-Pui mountain ranges.

Today over 400 species of animals are represented including exotic and popular attractions such as penguins and the world’s longest aquatic tunnel.

Foreigners – Adults: 100 baht
Children (less than 135 cm in height): 50 baht

Thais – Adult: 50 baht
Teachers, soldiers, policemen (in uniform): 30 baht
Children (less than 135 cm.): 10 baht
Senior citizens, people with disability, and monks: Free of charge