Thailand To Repatriates Nearly 1,000 Endangered Animals

Thailand is sending almost 1,000 highly endangered tortoises and lemurs home to Madagascar in a landmark victory against animal trafficking, with the first batch on its way on Saturday.

The repatriation is the largest ever between the two countries, according to Thai officials.

Thai police recovered 1,117 animals, eight of which had died, during an anti-trafficking operation in the southern Thai province of Chumphon in May.

Among them were spider tortoises, radiated tortoises, ring-tailed lemurs and brown lemurs, all listed among the world’s “most endangered” animals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Tortoises rescued in Thailand are put under authorities’ care before being sent home to Madagascar. Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

These species are highly sought-after in Asia as exotic pets, though replicating their natural habitat is extremely difficult, often putting their life at risk.

Some of the animals seized in May have since died due to poor health caused by a lack of food and water when they were smuggled to Thailand. Some also failed to adapt to the new environment.

Thai authorities held an official ceremony in the capital Bangkok on Wednesday to hand over the animals to Madagascan officials.

A total of 961 live animals will be sent back on three flights operated by Qatar Airways starting Saturday.

CNN/Shakirat Sadiq