Supreecha Suthamanondh says the animals’ handlers are in the process of making sure the creatures adapt to their change in environment. Mr Suthamanondh says the animals were flown in from Ukraine and the aquarium has the correct paperwork to prove they were imported legally and comply with CITES wildlife regulations.
He added that his facility had also received certification allowing it to open as a public zoology centre. The manager explained that getting all the necessary licences had not been easy.
All the modifications needed to satisfy building and legal requirements have pushed the cost of construction over the THB100 million mark. Mr Suthamanondh finished off by saying all that remained was a final inspection by the Department of Fisheries and then the aquarium was good to go on its soft opening.
Chalong is a district on the south coast of Phuket and is within easy distance of Phuket Town and the beach resorts of Karon and Patong. 12GO ASIA offers convenience for travellers going to Phuket with a simple one-stop ticketing service.
New Phuket marine park welcomes first dolphins and seals
News in Asia
Phuket’s as yet unopened aquarium has just welcomed its first aquatic residents. The facility’s manager has confirmed that two seals and five dolphins have arrived from Ukraine and are getting used to their new home in the Chalong area of the island.