Famed Thai temple doesn’t abuse tigers: wildlife officials
KANCHANABURI (Thailand) — Thai wildlife protection officers say they found no mistreatment of more than 100 tigers housed at a Buddhist temple that is a popular tourist attraction, though charges have been pressed for keeping rare birds there.
A Buddhist monk plays with tigers at the Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua, otherwise known as the Tiger Temple, in Kanchanaburi province February 12, 2015. Thai officials last week raided the Buddhist temple that is home to more than 100 tigers and are currently conducting an investigation into suspected links to wildlife trafficking. Authorities from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Thursday checked 143 Bengal tigers living at the temple, and found them to be in good health. Photo: ReutersRELIGION)
KANCHANABURI (Thailand) — Thai wildlife protection officers say they found no mistreatment of more than 100 tigers housed at a Buddhist temple that is a popular tourist attraction, though charges have been pressed for keeping rare birds there.
About 50 officials from the wildlife department and local religious affairs office, along with soldiers, made a three-hour inspection today of the Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Buddhist temple compound in the western province of Kanchanaburi.
The so-called “Tiger Temple”, famous for its tame-looking big cats living alongside Buddhist monks, had been accused of drugging the creatures to keep them tame. The monks and the veterinarian who takes care of the animals have denied the allegations.
A wildlife department raid last week found that the temple was illegally keeping 38 hornbills and other protected bird species. AP
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