Thailand: 40 tiger cubs found dead in tiger temple

(Baonghean.vn) - On June 1, the Thai Wildlife Department discovered 40 dead tiger cubs in a freezer at Thailand's famous Tiger Temple after the international community condemned the trade and transportation of wild animals in this country.

40 tiger cubs were found dead at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province on June 1 (Photo: Reuters)

Tiger Temple is located in Kanchanaburi province, west of Bangkok. The temple is suspected of having links to a wildlife trafficking and abuse ring.

Since May 30, the Thai government has begun a campaign to arrest wildlife trafficking rings to control tigers living in Thailand.

"There must be a purpose for the monks to keep them at the temple. However, I cannot conclude at this time," said Adisorn Nuchdamrong, deputy director general of the National Parks Administration.

The monks at the temple have not yet made any comments.

Mr. Adisorn added that 52 live tigers had been transported out of the temple since May 30 and that 85 were still hidden in the temple.

Thailand has long been a hub for the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products. Rare and endangered birds, mammals and reptiles can still be found on the country’s black markets.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)