Ratchaburi: Adorable photos of Bongti, a 6-month-old Asiatic black bear cub, have captured the hearts of many at the Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station in Ratchaburi Province. Found abandoned in a sugarcane field in Wang Dong, Kanchanaburi, the cub was brought to the station by concerned villagers and has been under the station's care since it was one month old. Originally skinny and nicknamed "Bak Choi," the cub was renamed Bongti and has since become a superstar attraction.
According to Thai News Agency, Bongti attracts over 500 tourists each day during weekends and public holidays. The young bear is kept in a cage for safety reasons, as his strength could pose a challenge for the staff. Known for his playful nature, Bongti enjoys clinging to people's legs, which could result in accidental scratches from his claws. Plans are underway to eventually place him in a larger enclosure with an older Asiatic black bear, Teng-Rang, to facilitate his learning and development.
Visitors eager to see Bongti can bring goat milk as a gift, either in powder form or pasteurized, during the station's opening hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For those unable to visit, donations can be sent to "Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station, Ratchaburi Province." Additionally, tourists can bring fruits, old pacifiers, or toys to help alleviate stress for Bongti and other animals at the station. Donations for the care of these animals are welcome at the Wild Animal Foster Parent Project account, managed by Krung Thai Bank.