Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have successfully rescued a three-year-old lion named Simba during a raid on an illegal wildlife operation in Chanthaburi province. However, the operation was marred by tragedy when a tiger cub, also seized in the raid, escaped from its cage and was fatally struck by a vehicle.

 

The raid took place on 26 February after the Central Investigation Bureau received intelligence about the illegal transportation of a tiger cub to a residence in Moo 11, Khlong Nararat sub-district, Mueang district, where it was being kept by Chinese nationals. Acting on a court warrant, officials searched the property and discovered both the tiger cub and Simba the lion.

 

While transporting the seized animals, an incident occurred. According to wildlife officials, the tiger cub managed to chew through its restraining ropes, and wind dislodged a tarpaulin covering the cage, causing the latches to come loose. The cub escaped from the vehicle and was struck by an oncoming car. A veterinary examination determined that the six-to-eight-month-old cub suffered a broken left hind leg and severe internal injuries, which led to its death.

 

A Chinese man identified as Mr An Yi, who resided at the property, admitted to being the caretaker of both animals. He was charged with the illegal possession of protected wildlife under Thai law.

 

As for Simba, authorities initially left him at the residence due to his size. However, he has now been relocated to a licensed lion farm in Bang Suan, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province. Veterinary checks confirmed that Simba had an implanted microchip linked to a legal permit, but his registered location did not match the address where he was found, indicating a breach of regulations.

 

Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation are continuing their investigation to determine whether the Chinese nationals involved are part of an international wildlife trafficking network.

 

-- 2025-03-01

 

In other words, they failed to secure the cage.