As we previously mentioned, in Petchaburi, Thailand Thai officials have raided the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) and Elephant Nature Park (ENP).
The founders of these sanctuaries had recently spoken out against (possibly government sanctioned) elephant poaching.
One of these founders said:
"The situation is desperate. Armed Department of National Parks enforcement officers have forced their way onto our properties and have begun confiscating animals.
They claim we don’t have necessary paperwork but this is a lie. I’m horrified that innocent animals are now paying the price for my commitment to preventing illegal poaching.
The DNP personnel are not properly trained or prepared to move or manage the animals we have in our facility and many are likely to be injured or killed as a result of these unjust actions.
Further, the last time DNP confiscated animals they were never seen again."
The DNP (Department of National Parks) has not given out any plan as to what will be done with the animals or even any specific reason for the confiscation.
A nationally recognized animal trainer said:
"The actions of the Thai officials appear to be financially and politically motivated and have nothing to do with the safety, security or welfare of the animals housed at either facility."
This is sad and just plain wrong.
Someone needs to do something!
[Image courtesy WFFT.]
Tags: animals, elephant, government, illegal, raid, sad, thai, wildlife, zoo
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