Tiger Cub Spotted and Captured in Bang Pakong Village, Sent to Conservation Office for CareChachoengsao

At 3:30 AM on May 16th, 2024, authorities from the Bang Pakong police station received a concerning report: a tiger cub had been sighted in the Bang Wua Subdistrict of Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao.

According to the police statement, a 23-year-old named Mr. Thanaphon alerted authorities after discovering the tiger cub near his residence. Responding promptly, rescue teams and nearby residents attempted to guide the cub towards a more suitable environment.

However, the situation took a tense turn when the cub reacted aggressively, prompting some locals to retreat for safety. Despite efforts to contain it with clothing, the frustrated cub began to nip at those who approached.

After a challenging endeavor, the rescue teams successfully apprehended the cub. Plans were made to transfer it to the Conservation Area Administration Office 2 in Sriracha, Chonburi, for proper care and management.

Another witness, 21-year-old Mr. Chayanon, corroborated Thanaphon’s account, revealing that they initially mistook the unfamiliar animal for a dog before realizing it was a tiger cub. They promptly sought assistance from law enforcement.

Subsequently, on May 16th, Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the Thai National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, made a public statement regarding an anonymous individual’s claim of housing a cub on a private farm.

Authorities pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the legality of possessing the cub under Thai legislation. Notably, the individual asserted that the cub was a liger, a hybrid of a tiger and a lion, a claim Atthaphon acknowledged.

Addressing the complexity of the situation, Atthaphon clarified that existing laws do not specifically address ligers, necessitating further inquiry. Such a situation, if confirmed, could present risks to both the owner and the surrounding community, he emphasized.