We have written recently about our “Photo with a tiger” experience in Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand. We recommended everyone who travels in Bangkok to go there as you don’t take a photo with a tiger on a regular basis.
After this post has been published, we received a message from Chris Pitt- the Campaigns & Communications Manager of the Care for the Wild International Organisation saying that his organisation funded an investigation into the Tiger Temple between 2005-2008, as there were some concerns raised about the tigers’ living conditions (if you want to have a brief glimpse at what is says, click HERE).
The findings were alarming as it turned out that the Tiger Temple operates as a breeding facility and may be involved in the illegal tiger trade between Thailand and Laos, has no breeding license, tigers were confined for 20 hours a day in small cages and put on public display so that tourists can touch and pose with them for a photo. Moreover, the tigers were given no shade, and were exposed to three hours of direct sunlight in temperatures which often rose above 40°C.
The organisation points out the tigers were treated badly and drugged to make them compliant and perform for visitors. Also, staff members were very aggressive towards the animals. What is more, the staff members were not trained properly to react to any emergency situation in case someone was attacked by one of the tigers.
Because of the bad treatment of the animals they might be suffering from some physical problems which might result in being aggressive towards people or even attacking them. Therefore, the life of visitors of the Tiger Temple is at risk, especially small kids who often make close physical contact with them when posing for photos.
What is even worse, after the findings were officially published, the Temple’s Abbot has shown no interest in the matter and ignored the alarming situation.
After we read the article, we felt very bad for participating unknowingly in promoting the animal abuse. We didn’t know about the real situation in the Tiger Temple and we openly say NO to this kind of animal treatment. Therefore, we would like to inform you guys about it before you go, so you can make your own mind up and decide whether you still want to go there or not. If you have been there and have a blog please help spread the word out about the report and its findings.
If you want to help the Care for the Wild International Organisation to prevent the tigers abuse you can visit their campaign website and make sure you avoid attractions like the tiger temple.
You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you sharing,
Agness and Cez
