CHANTHABURI — Park officials have successfully rescued a lion named ‘Simba’ during an investigation into illegal wildlife possession by Chinese nationals in Chanthaburi province. Tragically, a tiger cub that was also seized during the operation died after escaping its cage and being struck by a vehicle.
The case began when Central Investigation Bureau officers received intelligence about the illegal transportation of a tiger cub to a residence in Moo 11, Khlong Nararat sub-district, Mueang district, Chanthaburi province, which was under the care of Chinese nationals. Officials obtained a court warrant and conducted a search on February 26, seizing both the tiger cub and a lion named Simba.
However, during the transportation of the seized animals, the tiger cub escaped from its cage and jumped from the vehicle, resulting in a fatal collision with another vehicle. Police and wildlife officials from the Khlong Khrueawai Wildlife Sanctuary conducted an examination of the tiger cub’s remains, estimated to be 6-8 months old. The examination revealed a broken left hind leg and torn internal organs, which were determined to be the cause of death.
During questioning, a Chinese man identified as Mr. An Yi, a resident of the house, admitted to being the caretaker of both the tiger cub and three-year-old Simba. Officials charged him with illegal possession of protected wildlife (tiger) without permission under Section 19 and possession of controlled wildlife without proper registration as required by law.
On February 28, Mr. Nawi Chang Phirom, head of the Wildlife and Plant Crime Suppression Operation Unit (Hawk’s Nest) of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, explained the circumstances of the tiger cub’s escape.
According to his statement, officials had secured the cage with latches on two sides and covered it with a tarpaulin. However, wind caused the tarpaulin to shift during transport, resulting in the latches coming loose. Additionally, the tiger cub had chewed through the restraining ropes, enabling its escape and subsequent death.
Regarding Simba the lion, officials initially kept him at the residence due to his large size, but have since relocated him to a properly licensed lion farm in Bang Suan, Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province.
Veterinary examination of the lion revealed an implanted microchip that matched a proper permit for keeping the animal. However, there remains a legal violation as the actual location where the lion was being kept did not match the registered address.
Officials are continuing their investigation to determine whether these Chinese nationals are connected to an international wildlife trafficking network.
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