Date set for clearance of Tiger Temple

[Jacob Maslow]

The Tiger Temple, which just recently had 6 bears removed from their temple, will also be losing all 146 of their famed tigers. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Preservation plans to remove all of the tigers after the Songkran festival activities come to an end.

Officials state that they are prepared to deal with the protests of the monks and their followers.

Preparations are being made in the Ratchaburi province to house all of the animals once they are rescued. Accommodations have been inspected by park officials to ensure that they meet standards.

After the seizure, the tigers will become common property, which the state will have to feed and properly house. The state is looking for ways to lower these expenditures, and one suggestion is to allow foster parent programs that would allow others to foster a tiger.

Zoos are also welcome to care for the animals.

There has been no official word on why the temple will now lose all of their tigers. An investigation into 3 missing tigers may be the reason, but no official announcement has been made on the matter.

Park officials hope to avoid unrest during the removal like they experienced when removing the temple’s bears.

-- 2015-04-09

[starky]

Could be much better for the tigers in the long run although the comment "The state is looking for ways to lower these expenditures" before the tigers have even been moved could be cause for concern. If they are going to seize them I would like to hope that they would be cared for in a manner befitting this majestic species. Then again could just be wishful thinking... .

[Skywalker69]

Please keep Khun Plodsaprop far away from the tigers.

[starky]

Although I understand somewhat the need for zoo's as many have spent decades and millions of dollars to provide enclosures and habitats that at least somewhat mimic these animals natural environments. To leave a tiger chained to a concrete floor all day, to then being locked up in a tiny cage at night is disgraceful if not criminal. The same goes for places that have dolphin shows and also sri racha tiger zoo and that ridiculous crocodile farm. Have never been to any and never would. Worse still is animals just being used for blatant photo opportunities. The elephants, monkeys, snakes, loris and the full menagerie of animals you see dragged around parts of this country so drunken punters can have a photo with them. Boycott these places and people as to use them only further encourages these types of behaviours IMHO

[BSJ]

Euthanizing a whole bunch of Tigers would help cut down on the feed and vet bills. Good idea or what!

[ezzra]

Here's an idea, now that you have no animals to care for, how about stray dogs that were rescued

from the cooking pots? there are many thousands of them looking for a good home,

and what home can be better than the pious people of a temple? no? not a good idea?

right... no money to be made there with dogs...

[ThaiKneeTim]

Initially the monks intent was good, saving orphaned tigers from death, but then they realised the revenue earning potential of the place and went commercial. Making money should not be the main objective of conservation, and they should at least have been encouraged to return many of the orphaned cubs to the wild when they reach adulthood.

What was started with good intent, and a lack of conservation knowledge, has evolved into a tourist attraction and revenue earner, instead of evolving into the foremost authority on tiger conservation and rehabilitation.

[Tatsujin]

Although I understand somewhat the need for zoo's as many have spent decades and millions of dollars to provide enclosures and habitats that at least somewhat mimic these animals natural environments. To leave a tiger chained to a concrete floor all day, to then being locked up in a tiny cage at night is disgraceful if not criminal. The same goes for places that have dolphin shows and also sri racha tiger zoo and that ridiculous crocodile farm. Have never been to any and never would. Worse still is animals just being used for blatant photo opportunities. The elephants, monkeys, snakes, loris and the full menagerie of animals you see dragged around parts of this country so drunken punters can have a photo with them. Boycott these places and people as to use them only further encourages these types of behaviours IMHO

Yeah, same goes for SeaWorld and all the other places around the world that keep wild animals in captivity ... I'm sure once the US shuts down SeaWorld to set a good example, the Thai's will follow suit.

[Whale]

"After the seizure, the tigers will become common property, which the state will have to feed and properly house. The state is looking for ways to lower these expenditures, and one suggestion is to allow foster parent programs that would allow others to foster a tiger"

What a fantastic idea. I for one applaud the DNP for finally sorting this issue, and to those who have supported them behind the scenes to do this as well. With that many tigers lets hope they can use this opportunity to utilize the tigers in someway to advance awareness of conservation of their wild relatives in Thailand.

There are only 200+ wild tigers surviving in Thailand's forests - they need all the awereness and help that can be mustered in any way.

[Toknarok]

As I understand it the majority of the tigers at this temple are of the sub-species Bengal which are not indigenous to Thailand. The sub-species found here is the Inochinese tiger. How the temple came to be in possession of bengal tigers I don't know. As they are not indigenous no way could they be released into the wild, being raised in captivity they wouldn't survive anyway.

I just hope that they will be well cared for in an inviroment as close to their natural habitat as possible. Anything must be better than being chained to a concrete floor and drugged so that tourists can play with them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger

[lemonjelly]

Wonder how many of the 146 tigers will be left when the raid happens?

[toybits]

I just hope that the tigers will be treated better wherever they are going to next.

[Local Drunk]

I'd gladly contribute to sponsoring one of these cats as long as it doesn't become someone's money making scheme. You know, it could be a great school project to teach kids about wildlife conversation. A school raises funds and sponsors a tiger, a bear or some other animal. Funds raised could be used to not only support the cat but to create a live feed network where the students could view their sponsored cat online or any other animal. This would do three things... help pay for the cost of supporting the cats, encourage the students to appreciate wildlife, and a live feed would deter any ill treatment of the animals. Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

[maidee]

kids went to safari zoo trip in bangkok, with the summer school ... costed only 990 baht to take a picture with a tiger

mhhh, who is exploiting who ?

[jackanapes]

I have no doubt the monks and their followers will put up a fight to stop the officials from taking the tigers the end result would be to put the tigers in a centralised zoo so people could perhaps participate in the welfare of the tigers .

[Gandtee]

Here's an idea, now that you have no animals to care for, how about stray dogs that were rescued

from the cooking pots? there are many thousands of them looking for a good home,

and what home can be better than the pious people of a temple? no? not a good idea?

right... no money to be made there with dogs...

Better idea. Put the stray dogs in with the tigers! two birds with one stone. Fed tigers and less stray dogs. I am now hunkering down waiting for the outburst from indignant members who do not understand black humour.

[JOC]

I'd gladly contribute to sponsoring one of these cats as long as it doesn't become someone's money making scheme. You know, it could be a great school project to teach kids about wildlife conversation. A school raises funds and sponsors a tiger, a bear or some other animal. Funds raised could be used to not only support the cat but to create a live feed network where the students could view their sponsored cat online or any other animal. This would do three things... help pay for the cost of supporting the cats, encourage the students to appreciate wildlife, and a live feed would deter any ill treatment of the animals. Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

All very sweet indeed!!

But the tigers should not be in captivity in the first place!!

Following your idea, the children will be taught, that wild animals are for our entertainment and/or teaching material.

Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

Please tell us, you are joking.................

[connda]

Could be much better for the tigers in the long run although the comment "The state is looking for ways to lower these expenditures" before the tigers have even been moved could be cause for concern. If they are going to seize them I would like to hope that they would be cared for in a manner befitting this majestic species. Then again could just be wishful thinking... .

I notice that have no plan other than to remove them. I guess that's Thais for ya. Not so good with projecting events into the future. That's good in a way. Lessens worry. Mai bpen rai.

[Local Drunk]

I'd gladly contribute to sponsoring one of these cats as long as it doesn't become someone's money making scheme. You know, it could be a great school project to teach kids about wildlife conversation. A school raises funds and sponsors a tiger, a bear or some other animal. Funds raised could be used to not only support the cat but to create a live feed network where the students could view their sponsored cat online or any other animal. This would do three things... help pay for the cost of supporting the cats, encourage the students to appreciate wildlife, and a live feed would deter any ill treatment of the animals. Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

All very sweet indeed!!

But the tigers should not be in captivity in the first place!!

Following your idea, the children will be taught, that wild animals are for our entertainment and/or teaching material.

Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

Please tell us, you are joking.................

Not joking at all JOC... These cat's and many other animals in Thailand can never released into the wild. There is an almost absolute lack of awareness of animal's right in Thailand. So teach them what is right and wrong about tigers in cages. It's called make the best of a bad situation.

[JOC]

^^^

But it is still only moving the poor animals from one cage to another!!

No Thailand for once do the right thing............

Build a state of the art sanctuary on a piece of land big enough for all the tigers. Fence it (electric?) and have rangers protect the animals from poachers and other thieves. Employ people with a genuine interest in animal welfare and vets to ensure the animals health.

Start a breeding program, and exchange cubs with other similar programs to keep the gene pole healthy.

And keep the place closed to the public, vet students excepted .

Yes it is going to cost money, but will win Thailand many (much needed) friends within the international community.

The cost of one the not needed submarines will probably pay for such a sanctuary for a decade or two!!

[Srikcir]

Euthanizing a whole bunch of Tigers would help cut down on the feed and vet bills. Good idea or what! alt=whistling.gif>

Maybe feed them Monk -ey meat?

[amykat]

Hmm, how about fine/confiscate Tiger Temple's ill-gotten wealth, enough to sponsor these animals for their duration.

It seems to me, the Tigers have earned their money.

[mcfish]

Hope they get to de tox first from whatever drug they are administered . Im no expert but they look awefully still everytime I see a pic of them

[Local Drunk]

^^^

But it is still only moving the poor animals from one cage to another!!

No Thailand for once do the right thing............

Build a state of the art sanctuary on a piece of land big enough for all the tigers. Fence it (electric?) and have rangers protect the animals from poachers and other thieves. Employ people with a genuine interest in animal welfare and vets to ensure the animals health.

Start a breeding program, and exchange cubs with other similar programs to keep the gene pole healthy.

And keep the place closed to the public, vet students excepted .

Yes it is going to cost money, but will win Thailand many (much needed) friends within the international community.

The cost of one the not needed submarines will probably pay for such a sanctuary for a decade or two!!

It has to be funded is the bottom line. Thai awareness needs to be raised and the best place to start is with schools. It shouldn't be done to boost international relations, but if it helps the animals I'm all for it. The problem with the breeding is that the cubs will have parents that can't teach them to survive. Tigers need a lot of territory to survive and prosper in the wild, and that territory is and has been dwindling for many a year due to encroachments on their natural habitat. There are probably only a few hundred tigers left that live in the wild in Thailand. It's sad... But I'm open to any ideas that will promote those beautiful beasts. Cheers, LD

[Local Drunk]

Hmm, how about fine/confiscate Tiger Temple's ill-gotten wealth, enough to sponsor these animals for their duration.

It seems to me, the Tigers have earned their money.

That works for me... But what you are saying could have been the leverage under article 44 that brought this about... Just speculating a bit.

[sandmike]

How about introducing some of these tigers into encroached forest reserves, and fencing off the area, with proper care for them ... would that kill 2 birds with one stone ?? It would deter intruders ...

On reflection though, probably not, they'd end up being shot and vanishing off to China into the 'pharmaceutical' industry

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[fstarbkk]

I'd gladly contribute to sponsoring one of these cats as long as it doesn't become someone's money making scheme. You know, it could be a great school project to teach kids about wildlife conversation. A school raises funds and sponsors a tiger, a bear or some other animal. Funds raised could be used to not only support the cat but to create a live feed network where the students could view their sponsored cat online or any other animal. This would do three things... help pay for the cost of supporting the cats, encourage the students to appreciate wildlife, and a live feed would deter any ill treatment of the animals. Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

Excellent idea... sponsoring the Tigers in situ, assuming the facilities now being prepared are indeed "up to standards" is better than farming them out to some of the dodgy Zoos I have seen here.

A well run sponsorship program would be a great opportunity for individuals, schools, animal welfare organizations and big brand companies with CSR budgets. With good PR, the sky could be the limit and and the incoming funds could be the foundation to build a really first-rate sanctuary. A win-win for the sponsors and the government!

[Skywalker69]

It makes me angry to think about Animal Planet promoting the Tiger Tempel.

[Local Drunk]

I'd gladly contribute to sponsoring one of these cats as long as it doesn't become someone's money making scheme. You know, it could be a great school project to teach kids about wildlife conversation. A school raises funds and sponsors a tiger, a bear or some other animal. Funds raised could be used to not only support the cat but to create a live feed network where the students could view their sponsored cat online or any other animal. This would do three things... help pay for the cost of supporting the cats, encourage the students to appreciate wildlife, and a live feed would deter any ill treatment of the animals. Student's could vote on what to name their tiger... They could campaign and vote for their favorite name. A lesson on democracy as well. If this was handled correctly, it could be a fantastic opportunity.

Excellent idea... sponsoring the Tigers in situ, assuming the facilities now being prepared are indeed "up to standards" is better than farming them out to some of the dodgy Zoos I have seen here.

A well run sponsorship program would be a great opportunity for individuals, schools, animal welfare organizations and big brand companies with CSR budgets. With good PR, the sky could be the limit and and the incoming funds could be the foundation to build a really first-rate sanctuary. A win-win for the sponsors and the government!

Thank you so much for your response... Maybe someone with a bit of juice is reading this and can have an have an influence on someone with a lot of juice that can make it happen.

[taony]

Nice that they announced it a week in advance. There will be no tigers left after songran.