An incredible meeting

There are encounters you never forget. Sometimes you don’t need words, explanations, or even time — just one glance, one moment, and something inside you changes forever.

I was just a child when I first saw a Siberian tiger at the zoo. She was immense. She walked slowly, silently, and seemed utterly fearless. Her eyes, deep and watchful, scanned the world with a calm that demanded respect. I still remember the delicate sound of her footsteps, the restrained power in her muscles, the almost unreal beauty of her striped coat. In that very moment, while everything else faded away, something awoke inside me. Pure wonder. A kind of calling.

From that day on, tigers became a part of me.

To many, the tiger is a symbol of strength and danger. To me, it represents mystery, grace, pure instinct. It shows us that true power doesn’t need to be loud, that you can lead without crushing what’s around you.

Over time, that connection never faded. It became a dream — to meet them for real, in the most genuine way possible. Not as a spectator, but as a guest. Not through a cage, but through respect.

When I discovered the chance to spend a day as a tiger keeper in a park dedicated to Bengal Tigers, in the heart of Thailand, I knew the time had come. The circle was closing — or perhaps, finally, beginning to open. It was the fulfillment of a dream born years earlier, in front of that Siberian tiger, but it was also the beginning of an experience that would change me forever.

And so I followed the call. I crossed half the world to meet that gaze up close, to feel the heartbeat of the tiger just steps away from my own. And what I experienced that day is something words can only begin to touch.

Face to face with Bengal Tigers

Tiger Park (Thailand).
a center open to the public with a twofold mission: to raise awareness about the world of big cats — particularly Bengal Tigers — and to collect funds for the protection of the roughly 300 wild tigers that still live in the country’s reserves.

Admission Test

As soon as I arrived, the first to welcome me was a very special "kitty": an affectionate cheetah who greeted me with purrs and gentle cuddles, immediately breaking the ice with an unexpected note of sweetness.

Before diving into the heart of the day, I was asked to sign a life insurance waiver. A formality that made me smile — but also think. No matter how accustomed they are to human presence, these are still wild animals.

I was told that each tiger in the park is assigned a personal handler from a very young age. This one-on-one relationship is essential to building a bond of trust — vital both for the animal’s well-being and for everyone’s safety. During every interaction, the handler is always inside the enclosure, making sure the tiger feels calm and protected.

It all begins with the cubs

After a brief introduction to the habits of tigers — including the curious fact that, unlike most felines, they don’t purr and they actually love water — I began my journey. The first stop was a playful encounter with a tiny cub, just a month and a half old: small, irresistibly cute, and yet already carrying that proud look in her eyes.

Next, I met a pair of siblings — a male and a female — about a year old. I was advised to be cautious: at that age, they’re extremely playful, and although unaware of their own strength, they can unintentionally cause harm.

Before entering the adult enclosure, I was given a small test of strength: hold up a skewer with meat as high as possible to simulate the height of a full-grown tiger. I’m 1.75 meters tall... and it wasn’t enough. The tiger reached the meat with stunning ease.

After lunch, I received another briefing about the unique traits of the Bengal Tiger. For example, I learned that as they mature, a white spot appears on the back of their ears — a visual marker that looks like a pair of eyes, helping cubs follow their parents through dense vegetation.

The majestic Bengal Tiger

For safety reasons, I was told I could only enter the enclosures with adult males, as they are less territorial than females, especially during the period when females are raising cubs.

I was given clear instructions on how to behave: never stand directly in front of the tiger, don’t touch its face, avoid sudden movements or loud noises. When the time came to decide whether or not to go in, a bit of hesitation was natural. But the desire to live that moment outweighed any fear.

Inside the enclosures, everything was carefully maintained: the spaces were large, clean, with pools where the tigers could swim and cool off. Each enclosure housed two adult males. And it was there, beside them, that I felt something hard to describe — a mix of awe and deep gratitude. Being so close to such majestic creatures, looking them in the eye, sensing their presence... it’s something that stays with you.

It’s a disarming experience. You stand before a majestic predator, capable of immense strength — and yet you find yourself laughing as it follows you with curious eyes, just like a playful cub. In that moment, you understand that true respect isn’t born out of fear, but out of wonder.

A day I will never forget.