Emaciated to the point of visible ribs "Department of National Parks" rushed to take custody of five wild animals after they were found abandoned and exhausted at a casino in Cambodia, with a veterinary team prepared to fully restore their health.
Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, revealed that the department launched an urgent operation to rescue rare wild animals abandoned near the Thailand-Cambodia border after receiving coordination from Navy Captain Udom Kulsiripanyo, Chief of Staff of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, who detected the animals in critical condition at a casino.
This followed the Trat Marine Task Force soldiers conducting a patrol at a casino on the Cambodian side opposite Ban Tha Sen, Laem Klat Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province, on 21 Dec. They found wild animals locked in cages without caretakers: a pair of lions (male and female), two Asiatic black bears, and one sun bear—five animals in total. All were severely exhausted and emaciated, with ribs visible, believed to have lacked water and food for a prolonged period, reaching critical condition.
Upon notification, Mr. Atthapol ordered the Wildlife Conservation Division, led by Mr. Sukhee Boonsang, Director of the division, to promptly send a team of veterinarians and staff from the Wildlife Conservation Section of Protected Areas Regional Office 2 (Sriracha), led by Mr. Arun Pongpaithoon, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Section, together with the Chief of Wildlife Patrol, fully equipped, to the site to assess and immediately relocate all animals.
Upon arrival, officials encountered a pitiful scene: the male and female lions, two Asiatic black bears, and one sun bear were all in critical condition, emaciated with ribs showing, and eyes full of panic. The veterinary team had to carefully plan because the animals were very weak. Administering anesthesia carried a high risk of cardiac arrest, so staff provided vitamin support and monitored vital signs continuously throughout the operation.
The atmosphere during transport was urgent. Over 20 soldiers and park officials struggled to carry the sedated animals' cages away from the dangerous area. The border terrain was restricted, and they raced against time to minimize the animals’ stress as quickly as possible.
The transport convoy has now departed the area. The bears were sent to recuperate at Banglamung Wildlife Breeding Station, Chonburi Province, while the lion pair headed to Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station, Ratchaburi Province. It is expected the five animals will arrive safely at their new homes by 02:00 on 22 December. The Department of National Parks has arranged a veterinary team at the stations for full rehabilitation. The department also expressed gratitude to the Trat Marine Task Force for their effective coordination that enabled the timely rescue of all wild animals.