The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand has opened a mini zoo showcasing different types of small animals while a larger zoo is under construction.

Locals flocked to enter the Thanyaburi Mini Zoo in Pathum Thani province as it welcomed visitors for the first time on March 13 after the original Dusit Zoo, an 80-year-old zoo in Bangkok, was closed in September 2018.

The mini zoo is located on a 300-rai plot in Thanyaburi district, and features animals such as chitals, Indian hog deers, barasinghas, squirrel monkeys, lemurs, porcupines, monitor lizards and turtles.

Thanyaburi Mini Zoo is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm during weekdays, and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm during weekends. Visitors can enter for free.

The temporary mini zoo was opened as a recreational area while waiting for the main zoo to be built.

The new Dusit Zoo is due to be completed by 2027, and will include a market to jumpstart the local economy.