The Tiger Temple, in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand – a popular tourist destination – is coming under new scrutiny over its activities.
Calling itself a tiger sanctuary where visitors are able to have their photographs taken with captive tigers as holiday souvenirs, a website Tiger Temple Truths (www.tigertempletruths.org) claims more sinister activities are taking place.
Tour operators run day trips to the Tiger Temple from Bangkok, and tourists can make a donation to take part in various activities with the tigers.
“However, all is not what it seems where the Tiger Temple Thailand, is concerned,†says Tiger Temple Truths.
It cites a recent report by Care for the Wild International, a wildlife and conservation organisation, which revealed “a shocking catalogue of tiger abuse†at the temple.
“It is clear that the Tiger Temple is not a sanctuary 
for tiger cubs rescued from poachers, but a commercial tiger breeding centre.
“The tigers are poorly housed and badly maltreated to make them compliant and perform for visitors,” said the conservation organization.
Care for the Wild International also accused the monks of “being involved in the clandestine exchange of tigers with the owner of a tiger farm in Laos”.
