Imagine yourself seated near a quiet clearing by a pond nestled in the heart of a jungle.

A group of wild boars carefully move into the open clearing to forage and dig for shoots and tuber; a stable food for these gregarious pigs. A slight shift in the wind and the boars pick up a worrying scent and scatter into the underbrush. A group of lions enter the clearing and continue in pursuit of the boars. Loud squeals are heard from the underbrush and then…a dreading silence.

Moments later, a lion is seen dragging the carcass of a freshly killed boar out of the bush into the clearing and the hungry pride noisily feed on the carcass. After the lions have had their fill, they retire for the day; and the scavenger, the Hyena, moves in to finish what is left of the wild boar.

A scene from the deep jungles of Africa?

No – this scene is just one act in a brad new, live wildlife adventure unfolding twice a day in a specially created venue at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a one hour drive from Bangkok.

The idea was developed by Dr. Ratna Kumar Duraisingam – Managing Director of HKS Designer & Consultant International Co., Ltd; a Bangkok based company specializing in the design, production and management of wildlife attractions and productions.

The idea came to him in the late 90's when his team was implementing activity and behavioral enrichment programs for the 5 zoos of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand. A man with a contagious passion for wildlife, Dr. Kumar was thrilled with the results of his program when he saw how much activity he was able to stimulate in the captive animals. He thought “ Wouldn't it be wonderful to see different species of wild creatures display hunting and other natural behavior in a venue that would allow zoo guests to observe and enjoy in comfort. The idea of ‘JOURNEY TO THE JUNGLE' was born.

A few years later, after extensive planning and research and a great amount of support from Dr. Sophon Dumnui, Director General of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and Mr. Suriya Saengpong, Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo; pre production on this unique wildlife presentation began. Dr. Kumar's team of animals' behavior specialists was given the following rules: Strictly no human performers; all behaviors had to display some natural skill for survival.

Fortunately, the animals loved the idea – all they had to do in this program was to do what they do naturally. The different wild stars move in and out of the stage as nature's story unfolds; supported by an engaging bi-lingual commentary and carefully created soundtrack.

Test audiences got to see the show in early May of this year and on the 24th May '08 a full blown preview was screened for over 250 tour agents and representatives. The response: a resounding – Thumbs Up! They loved it! Even animal welfare supporters such as _____, a Thai based NGO, gave the program their full support.

While other shows around the country highlights elephants and other animals performing demeaning tricks for pure cheap entertainment effect; Dr. Kumar's team is ready to set the new standards for captive presentation of wildlife.

Riding on the wave of support for this new wildlife experience; the producers of JOURNEY TO THE JUNGLE hope to signal the beginning of the end of traditional animal shows. This ‘JOURNEY TO THE JUNGLE' begins at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo.