Aquaria Phuket — Attraction in Wichit

During my recent visit to the aquarium, I was deeply troubled by the apparent neglect and mistreatment of the animals housed there. The conditions were far from what I expected, and it was clear that the welfare of the creatures was severely compromised.

Here are my observations:

The meerkats were confined to a small enclosure with only a superficial layer of sand, stripping them of the opportunity to dig—a fundamental aspect of their natural behavior.

The parrots, particularly distressing, were held in tiny cages. One large parrot’s cage was so small it seemed unable to fully spread its wings. I also noticed smaller parrots with noticeably damaged feathers, hinting at stress-induced self-destructive behaviors.

Signs of zoochosis were evident in the monkeys and raccoons, who were pacing incessantly and trying desperately to escape their cramped confines.

The aquatic sections were equally disappointing, with overcrowded tanks that lacked any semblance of natural flora or proper space. The otter and penguin enclosures were dark and depressingly small.

The penguins were particularly heart-wrenching, as some were observed staring blankly at the wall, motionless for extended periods—an indicator of severe psychological distress.

Other animals throughout the aquarium appeared lethargic and unresponsive, likely signs of depression and a lack of mental stimulation.

Apart from the parrots, none of the animals had access to natural light, further compounding their dismal living conditions.

The overall experience left me with a heavy heart, urging me not to recommend this facility to anyone. The prioritisation of profit over the well-being of these animals was starkly evident, and I hope for urgent reforms to better their...

We visited today & was very good by Thai standards ( i.e not nearly as impressive as the one in the Shopping centre in the Dubai Mall - which was free when I visited ) . In addition to the 50 % reduction , the PA also offered a 2 : 1 ( i.e the RRP for an 1 Adult is 1,200 Thb but for 3 Adults & a child ( 3 ) we paid in total 1,200 Thb ). As a Management Consultant , let me say that the current offers should continue to attract Visitors BUT the current RRP is GROSSLY overpriced ( let alone by world standards & quality ) . Also a small suggestion which we conveyed to the Guide operating the shop in the Trick Eye ( a separate amusement centre ) but part of the package deal - all of the Jungle ' trick eyes ' were not working ( i.e you need to download their App to have various holograms appear in your pics & / or movies - & the Internet connection in the Jungle part wasn't working properly ) I expect they've been told this before ( many times ? ) BUT still haven't fixed it . Overall a 7 - 8 / 10 ( based upon value for $ ). Btw - ( 1 ) we all ate ( 5 dishes ) for 600 Thb in the Food court ( NOT the restaurants ) nearby ; & ( 2 ) we're all cheering for Thailand to come out of this ' China disease ' which , like Australia , seems to be following a similar path in terms of ' lockdowns ' , quarantining & vaccination rollouts ( using principally AstraZenica ) to try & overcome the misery China & WHO has inflicted upon the World ( as corroborated by the WHO ' Independent ' Panel chaired by ( fmr NZ Prime Minister )...

Top marks from us!

We researched beforehand and made sure we got there on time to make the first show and all of the feedings in the schedule. Then we started at the beginning again spending time at each tank watching the interaction between the fish. All animals are in great condition and the tanks and place is beautifully maintained. Labelling of animals is great and staff are helpful and friendly.

As an avid scuba diver, the Mermaid show is such a treat! Watching the mermaid perform with a leopard shark circling the performance is not something ever thought I’d see. Great care was taken to ensure safety and optics were right, with two divers in the tank keeping the Sand tiger sharks in the back area despite them being a docile, non aggressive species.

The live baby shark development where you can see the embryo inside the sac as well as the jelly fish life cycle is not something I’ve seen before and it’s fascinating.

Dear westerners, keep your expectations in check. It is not a big aquarium, and it is not Hollywood style shows. They are local, intimate, and caring. Everything is clearly done with care.

By the time we got the the eye trick part we were hungry so chose to eat at large food court just outside the aquaria and then go back for the eye trick part.

A fabulous day and worth...