After Rambo, Pong, Paeng, and Ginny – three tigers and one Asian black bear – leave for their new home today, the long, sorry tale of the Phuket Zoo will finally be over.
They were the final animals removed by the Wildlife Friends Foundation from the notoriously dire facility that finally shuttered during the pandemic.
“There were three tigers left who were all on their own, and one black bear, and now finally there are no more animals left in the zoo,” foundation founder Edwin Wiek told Coconuts today.
Phuket Zoo rescue: Tigers, bears, monkeys pack their bags for new home (Photos)
The nonprofit organization currently houses all the animals it’s taken from the zoo since late April in Phetchaburi province.
According to Wiek, the foundation still plans to rescue some monkeys and gibbons housed elsewhere by caretakers on the island.
“There are still monkeys and gibbons living elsewhere, but we have the license to come and pick them up to raise them,” he added.
The rescued furry friends will live better lives at the foundation, which is appealing for donations to build at least one more tiger enclosure.
“We need to build one more backup enclosure,” Wiek said. “We’ll do fundraising in the next few months where hopefully we will raise enough money by then.”
Related
Phuket Zoo rescue: Tigers, bears, monkeys pack their bags for new home (Photos)
Rescuers struggle to save unemployed Thai elephants from worse than exploitation
Photojournalist brings attention to shocking cruelty in Thailand’s animal attractions (PHOTOS)
Following viral cruelty photos, Phuket Zoo under fire for animal conditions
Officials see no problem at Phuket Zoo as tortured tiger rallies rage (Video)
