Tigers Evacuation Plan from Sisaket Wildlife Centre Over Bombing Fears

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

Authorities at the Chulabhorn Wildlife Breeding Station in Sisaket province are preparing to evacuate 16 tigers amid growing concerns that border clashes with Cambodia could cause explosions capable of frightening the animals, potentially leading to dangerous escapes.

The announcement was made on 26 July by Mr. Satit Phantumas, head of the wildlife station located in Prue Yai subdistrict, Khukhan district. The facility, which spans over 6,000 rai, across three districts, is home to more than 500 wild animals. These are part of a breeding and rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring ecological balance by eventually releasing animals back into the wild.

The station is divided into zones for various animal groups, including hoofed animals like barking deer, sambar and eld’s deer; birds such as eagles, hawks and pheasants; and mammals including monkeys, lorises, civets and more. However, the largest and most potentially dangerous animals under its care are 15 Bengal tigers and one leopard.

Due to intensified tensions and ongoing military activity along the Thai-Cambodian border, Khukhan district has been declared a “red zone” by national security officials. While the wildlife station has not yet been ordered to evacuate, staff are on standby awaiting official instructions. Should an evacuation be authorised, the tigers will be moved immediately to ensure public safety.

“There is a real concern that if an explosion were to startle the tigers, or if their enclosures were damaged, the animals could escape and pose a serious threat to nearby communities,” Mr. Satit said.

Preparations for the transfer are already underway, with veterinary teams from Ubon Ratchathani Zoo and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s Region 9 office coordinating efforts. Special transport cages have been assembled on-site. Due to the risks involved, the process requires extreme precision and care.

Each tiger will be tranquilised using a gradual sedation method to avoid health complications. Once fully unconscious, the animal will be secured in a cage, which will be locked and monitored until the tiger regains consciousness.

Transport will be conducted using two six-wheel lorries, each capable of carrying three tigers. With the zoo located over 100 kilometres away in Ubon Ratchathani, each journey is expected to take about two hours. The full relocation will require at least three trips.

At this time, only the tigers and leopard will be relocated. Other animals will remain at the breeding station due to the size and complexity of their enclosures, though staff continue to monitor the situation closely.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-27