Ava and Luna, two rare three-year-old golden tigers, have become the stars of the Chiang Mai Night Safari, drawing crowds with their striking golden coats and kitten-like charm. Born in captivity, the twin sisters, who debuted at the zoo in June, are part of the critically endangered Golden Tabby tiger breed, a rare color variation of the Bengal tiger.
“These tigers can only be found in breeding centers or zoos around the world. They no longer exist in the wild,” said Patcharee Pipatwongchai, a tiger trainer at the zoo. Their rarity, combined with their sweet and tame demeanor, has made Ava and Luna a social media sensation, with fans flocking to see them in person.
The golden tigers’ performances in the "Tiger Show" have become a major attraction, with the 500-seat stadium consistently selling out. Visitors are mesmerized by their agility and precision as they perform tricks, such as walking through tubes and between their trainer’s legs.
The Golden Tabby tigers, sometimes referred to as "strawberry tigers", are a result of recessive genes that produce lighter fur and faint orange stripes. With the golden tiger population critically low, Ava and Luna are among the few remaining in the world, cared for in controlled environments like zoos to ensure their survival.
The sisters’ popularity has given a significant boost to ticket sales at the zoo, with audiences of all ages coming to watch their performances. "It’s incredible to see how intelligent these tigers are," said a local visitor. “Chiang Mai is lucky to have such smart animals as a key attraction."
As Ava and Luna continue to steal hearts, they represent not only the beauty of nature but also the importance of preserving endangered species in the face of growing environmental challenges.
On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, survivors and families across Southeast and South Asia gathered to honour the 230,000 victims. Memorials were held in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, where emotional tributes and prayers were offered.
A car crashed into a school gate in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, killing two people and injuring at least 10 others, including children, parents, and a food vendor. The driver, a 75-year-old man, was found to be heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Severe floods in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia have claimed at least 12 lives and displaced tens of thousands, with heavy rain and flash floods continuing to wreak havoc, authorities warn.
Thailand's economy improved in October, with exports rising 14.2% and a trade surplus of $1.4 billion. Private consumption and tourism also contributed to growth, though challenges remain for some sectors, according to the Bank of Thailand.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court has rejected a bid to bar former PM Thaksin Shinawatra from influencing the ruling Pheu Thai party. Thaksin, father of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, denies any involvement since returning in 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Pope Francis calls on wealthy nations at COP29 to address "ecological debt" by forgiving poor countries' debts, fostering justice and solidarity in climate action.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry is working with Eritrean authorities to secure the release of 18 Azerbaijani citizens detained after their vessels entered Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, due to severe weather. The crew faces charges of unauthorized entry.
Archeologists uncovered over 1,000 decorated stone blocks from the foundation of an 18th dynasty Pharaonic queen's valley temple in Luxor.
Colombia's Black and White Carnival has once again dazzled crowds this year. Recognized by UNESCO, this iconic festival celebrates centuries of tradition.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's It Ends with Us feud takes a dramatic turn as Baldoni plans to countersue following Lively's December accusations of sexual harassment and smear campaign. The stars' legal battle escalates with multiple lawsuits and industry-wide repercussions.
The city of Harbin, opened its annual Ice and Snow Festival on Sunday. Visitors enjoy the colorful fireworks, shimmering ice castles, and thrilling super-ice slides.
The Golden Globe awards on January 5 celebrated major wins for historical drama Shogun and UK-based series Baby Reindeer. The night also honored The Brutalist, Emilia Perez, and notable performances from Colin Farrell and Jessica Gunning.
A Cessna CJ1+ aircraft (PR-GFS) crashed while landing at Gastão Madeira State Airport (UBT) in Ubatuba, Brazil, on 9 January 2025, amidst adverse weather. The crash, which claimed the pilot’s life and injured seven others, has raised concerns over private aviation safety in Brazil.
Pope Francis calls on wealthy nations at COP29 to address "ecological debt" by forgiving poor countries' debts, fostering justice and solidarity in climate action.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has showcased advanced military capabilities during its “Great Prophet 19” drills, unveiling a new loitering munition, the "Rezvan" drone, and the “358 missile defence system” designed to protect strategic facilities like the Natanz nuclear plant.
Highland Park resident Sabrina gives a firsthand account of fleeing the devastating Southern California wildfires, as fierce 80 mph winds drive the Eaton Fire toward residential areas. In an exclusive interview, Sabrina details her experience joining the other 130,000 displaced citizens.
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