The minister lamented that though the budget has been slashed to practically nothing, the number of wild animals rescued has increased. He said the department normally requires about 55 million baht a year to take care of the animals seized in wildlife poaching cases. Varawut said the department is having to use funds set aside for other purposes and income from entrance fees to take care of these animals. Now, we have 46 of them and will have to feed them for the rest of their lives,” Varawut said. He added that some rescued animals, like wild elephants, are returned to the forest after rehabilitation.

Source: The Nation Bangkok March 11, 2022 08:07 UTC