Thai authorities recently raided the country’s Tiger Temple to remove captive tigers, discovered deceased cubs
According to BBC news, the bodies were found in various states of decay.
Thai police are investigating the bodies found, as wildlife officials say that only one of the dead cubs found had been reported to the government as required.
The deceased cubs were found during a raid, which began Monday. The raid is the latest action in a series of efforts to bring captive tigers under state control.
Some reports indicate that as many as 40 tigers have been removed from the temple.
The cruelty towards tigers at the temple, highlighted by this most recent development, is extremely disturbing. It’s clear that the welfare of the tigers is not a priority and they exist in a constant state of abuse and commercial exploitation for the entertainment of tourists.
Next, read about other tigers being removed from the Tiger Temple earlier this year.
These tigers have endured suffering in captivity for far too long. Their welfare should always be the first priority.
We commend the authorities in Thailand who are taking action by removing all tigers from the Tiger Temple. We also urge the government to investigate the cause of death of the tiger cubs and identify an appropriate, safe environment where the tigers’ welfare is fully considered for the remainder of their lives.
We applaud and fully support the actions of the Department of National Parks (DNP) to ensure that these tigers are placed in an environment while their welfare is fully considered.
Related: Our reaction to the Tiger Temple applying for a zoo license
We also urge the DNP to continue confiscating the remaining tigers at the Tiger Temple.
The removal of the tigers to the DNP confiscation center is an excellent first step in ending the life of cruelty and suffering these animals have had to endure, and will result in an immediate improvement of their quality of life.
We will work alongside other groups to engage with the DNP on future plans for these tigers. We remain committed to ensuring the long-term welfare of all of them.
It’s clear that the welfare of the tigers is not a priority and they exist in a constant state of abuse and commercial exploitation for the entertainment of tourists.