Thai National Parks Department Investigates Liger-Painted-Tiger Cub Found in Chachoengsao for Legal Violations

Chachoengsao

On May 17th, 2024, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director-general of Thailand’s National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, directed relevant agencies to investigate a case involving a tiger cub on the loose in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao.

According to Mr. Atthaphon, National Park officers were dispatched to a local farm after the owner of the cub, who initially declared its ownership following its sighting by Bang Wua residents on May 16th, came forward. The owner, whose name was withheld, revealed that the cub was a liger, a hybrid offspring of a tiger and a lion, allegedly painted as a tiger for a film production in Chachoengsao.

Despite this claim, National Park officers remained unconvinced and insisted the animal was indeed a tiger cub. Further investigation revealed that the cub lacked a microchip implant and any legal documentation to verify its identity, according to Mr. Atthaphon.

Consequently, the National Park officers initiated a thorough investigation, which could lead to the seizure of the cub and potential legal action against the owner. The cub was being prepared for transfer to the custody of the National Park officers, Mr. Atthaphon stated.

The owner reportedly claimed the cub was a liger out of fear of legal repercussions. Although the farm was registered and had legal permission to house tigers, the National Park officers planned to examine all the animals on the farm to ensure they were legally permitted.

Mr. Atthaphon emphasized that tigers and lions are controlled animals listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and must be supervised by the National Park Department concerning their import, export, care, and relocation. Ligers, however, are not on the CITES list as they are not classified as controlled animals. In light of this incident, Mr. Atthaphon reportedly instructed relevant agencies to research the legal aspects and gather public opinions on potentially adding ligers to the list. Regardless, he confirmed that the animal in question was a tiger.