Concern mounts as ‘new’ Tiger Temple venue takes shape
News
Concerns that the ‘new’ Tiger Temple venue by Golden Tiger (Thailand) Thailand, is ploughing ahead.
Recent photos show construction of small, old fashioned tiger cages across four hectares of land raising fear that the new wildlife tourist attraction will open within weeks.
World Animal Protection is calling for the Thai government to not allow this ‘new’ venue to open amid concerns that the tigers acquired for this new venue will be trapped in lives of suffering to supply the demand for cruel tourist shows and selfies.
Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, senior wildlife and veterinary advisor at World Animal Protection said: “The construction of the ‘new’ tiger venue is well on its way. We are concerned that the old fashioned ‘row of cages’ is inadequate for the housing of tigers.
“We fear that the inhumane treatment and conditions of the tigers in this new venue will be no different to those at the former Tiger Temple, which was involved in cruelty and illegal wildlife trade practices. This is why we are calling for the Thai Aurthorities to not allow the new venue to open.
“We must remember the reasons why Tiger Temple was closed. The risk to these tigers being illegally trafficked, bred for profit and exposed to horrific cruelty, is immense.”
The dark side of the Tiger Temple
The Tiger Temple was raided by police and shut down last year following allegations of illegal breeding and trafficking of tigers and their parts, which are still under investigation. Until these investigations are complete, the charity wants to ensure a new venue does not open.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has publicly commented about the ‘new’ venue, claiming everything is above board:
"The zoo licence was granted on legal regulations and it permits the Golden Tiger Co. Ltd to build a venue.
Once the venue is built and if the company meets 11 additional requirements, Golden Tiger Co. Ltd can acquire tigers for the venue.
The Golden Tiger (Thailand) Co. Ltd. has no links with the previous Tiger Temple attraction."
World Animal Protection refutes the last statement, as there are clear links, which should be prompting the government to be cautious because the Tiger Temple Limited and Golden Tiger (Thailand) Limited are the same entity regardless of a change of name, director or shareholders.
Records obtained from the Department of Business Development show that on 3 February 2017:
The Tiger Temple Co Ltd changed their name to the Golden Tiger Co Ltd, and kept the same registration ID and zoo license provided last year by the DNP. The registration number of the Tiger Temple Limited Co is 0105549034793 and office address, No. 69 Moo 5, Sing Sub-district, Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi Province is the exact same company registration number and address of the Golden Tiger Co, Ltd.
“The construction of the ‘new’ tiger venue is well on its way. We are concerned that the old fashioned ‘row of cages’ is inadequate for the housing of tigers. said Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, senior wildlife and veterinary advisor at World Animal Protection.