Description: |
|
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute in the heart of Bangkok,
Thailand, is a snake farm and museum operated by the Red Cross
which specializes in the education, production, and research of
anti-venom.
The institute originally began as a facility
to study rabies and smallpox vaccines, but has shifted its focus
towards reptilian poisons. Within walking distance of Bangkok’s
biggest shopping district, thirty-five species of venomous
snakes are kept in both indoor and outdoor enclosures.
The facility also houses several species of other
dangerous reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The purpose here is
not titillation but education. The Institute creates most of the
region’s antivenin, which is used to treat snakebite victims,
and in the process they seek to share their knowledge about
these frightening, but fascinating, creatures.
The museum
contains two floors of snakes with accompanying information
about their species and habitat. On the third floor there are
preserved examples of snakeskin and skeletons. There is even a
viewing area where, if you come at the right time, you can view
the process of venom extraction.
Additional enclosures
outside harbor more snakes as well as a seating area for daily
demonstrations. After these demonstrations visitors have the
chance to meet tame, nonvenomous snakes up close.
Weekday
hours: 9:30-15:30 11:00 -
Venom Extraction |
|