BANGKOK, Sept 16 (TNA) – The abbot of Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province expressed his doubt about the capability of national park authorities after 86 of 147 tigers seized earlier from his temple died.
Phra Wisutthi Sarathen aka Luang Ta Jan said at Tiger Temple in Sai Yok district of Kanchanaburi that the massive tiger deaths resulted from extremely hot weather. He denied authorities’ theory that the tigers were weak due to inbreeding at his Buddhist temple.
The abbot was responding to the death of tigers kept at Khao Prathap Chang and Khao Son wildlife breeding centers in Ratchaburi province. Authorities moved 147 tigers from the abbot’s temple in 2016.
Luang Ta Jan asked if 344 fangs of the 86 dead tigers as well as their skins and bones remained.
The abbot also said that he was willing to take back the remaining tigers and he could show how to keep them in good health. If Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa agrees with his proposal, he can promote Tiger Temple to be an outstanding tourist attraction again, Luang Ta Jan said.
Tiger Temple is quite deserted these days after the seizure of its tigers due to suspicions on tiger breeding and trafficking. The temple still keeps some animals including a 13-year-old lion legally acquired. (TNA)
