Introduction
Lamnao Singto, or “Temple of the Golden Tiger,” was a famous destination for tourists who visit the beautiful country of Thailand. People flocked to this temple to see the majestic tigers that were said to roam free inside the temple grounds. Unfortunately, it turns out that the temple was practicing illegal and inhumane activities. The temple was shut down, and the tigers were rescued and taken to a new home. In this blog post, we will unravel the story behind Thailand’s beloved tiger temple.
The Beginning of the Tiger Temple
Before the tiger temple became a tourist attraction, it began as a rescue center for tigers that were injured or orphaned. The head abbot of the temple, Phra Acharn Phusit Khantitharo, started the temple in 1994 with the goal of protecting tigers from extinction. The intention of the temple was to provide a safe place for the tigers to live and to help conserve the dwindling tiger population in Thailand.
From Rescue Center to Tourist Attraction
As the years passed, the temple became more of a tourist attraction, and the tigers were no longer being rescued but, instead, bred in captivity. Tourists paid to take pictures with the tigers and watch them roam free in the temple grounds. The temple collected millions of dollars from tourist visits each year.
The Slow Unraveling of the Tiger Temple’s Dark Secret
Despite its fame, the Tiger Temple had a dark secret. Reports of animal cruelty and illegal trafficking of tigers began to surface. In 2016, authorities raided the Temple, finding 40 tiger cubs and dozens of tiger pelts. The discovery proved the Temple was involved in illegal wildlife trading and not just using the tigers for tourist attraction purposes only.
The Rescue of the Tigers
After the tiger temple was shut down, the tigers were rescued and taken to sanctuaries around Thailand. Established conservation organizations like the World Animal Protection, Four Paws International, and the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand led the rescue. The tigers were treated for various health conditions and later reintroduced to the wild or relocated to other sanctuaries.
Controversy of the Rescue Operation
The rescue operation came under criticism as the tigers were not allowed to roam free in the sanctuaries, which didn’t align with the aim of the Tiger Temple to give the tigers an adequate living environment. Some people feel the tigers were happier in the temple and that the sanctuary environment was crueler to the tigers.
The Legal Battle That Ensued
After the Tiger Temple was shut down, a legal battle began between the Temple and Thai authorities. The temple argued that the authorities were punishing them for doing conservation work while the authorities argued that the temple abused and traded the tigers illegally.
The Future of Tiger Conservation
The Tiger Temple’s story is an example of how animal welfare and wildlife conservation battles evolve. It also casts a light on the importance of proper legislation and enforcement to ensure that such cruel treatments don’t happen again. Moving forward – four years after the closure – Thailand is still struggling to combat wildlife trafficking and illegal trade within the country.
Conclusion
The famous Lamnao Singto, or Tiger Temple, went from a rescue center for tigers to a tourist attraction to a den of animal abuse and illegal wildlife trafficking. It is a lesson that speaks to the ethical treatment of wildlife and the need for strong legislations to govern legal and illegal wildlife trade worldwide. As we appreciate the beauty of wildlife worldwide, let’s be more conscious of our choices and ensure that we support ethical wildlife tourism only.
FAQs
1. What is the Tiger Temple?
The Tiger Temple is a former rescue center in Thailand, originally created to protect tigers from going extinct. It later became a tourist attraction and was shut down due to reports of illegal wildlife trafficking and animal abuse.
2. Was the Tiger Temple involved in illegal wildlife trafficking?
Yes. In 2016, authorities raided the temple, finding tiger cubs and dozens of tiger pelts that showed the temple’s involvements illegal wildlife trading.
3. What happened to the tigers after the Tiger Temple shut down?
The tigers were rescued by established conservation organizations and taken to sanctuaries around Thailand for treatment, rehabilitation and were later relocated to other sanctuaries or reintroduced to the wild.
4. Has Thailand enacted laws to combat wildlife trafficking?
Yes. In 2019, Thailand passed legislation that would impose stricter penalties on wildlife trafficking and illegal trade.
5. What can individuals do to support ethical wildlife tourism?
Individuals can support ethical wildlife tourism by avoiding activities that exploit animals, such as tiger selfies and elephant rides. It is also important to research tours and activities thoroughly and avoid supporting businesses that harm wildlife.