To celebrate the birthday of HM Queen Sirikit of Thailand on August 12 the Chiang Mai Zoo will grant free admission to visitors for its weekend animal parade for the entire month.

More than 30 different species of animals take part in the twice daily parade, including penguins, lions, tigers, crocodiles and gibbons.

To ensure the well-being of the animals the zoo makes special arrangements such as placing the penguins in carts where they can be kept cool with water and ice.

Parade times are 10.30am and 2pm daily and free admission to view the cavalcade will commence on August 2 and apply to every weekend until the end of August.