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[george]

Update:
Kenyan animals sent to Thai zoo may be eaten, say activists

NAIROBI: -- Kenyan wildlife conservationists reacted with shocked disbelief Thursday after reports that a Thailand zoo in a controversial wildlife swap with Kenya will offer game as part of an exotic buffet.

Media reports in Thailand Thursday quoted Plodprasop Suraswadi, the director of the Chiang Mai Zoo, as saying that the patrons can enjoy a pricey game buffet after game viewing when the park opens January 1st.

"We have been concerned about the animal welfare aspects throughout this deal as Thailand is globally known to have a dismal animal welfare record, and we are questioning how the Kenyan Wildlife Service gave the Chiang Mai project a clean bill of health," said Elizabeth Wamba of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

It is illegal to eat wildlife in restaurants in Kenya. Only commercially farmed crocodiles and ostriches are offered in eateries in the East African country.

"If it is illegal to eat a giraffe here, why would we want to send our giraffes to Thailand for that purpose?" added Wamba.

Kenya will export up to 137 wild animals to the Chiang Mai Night Safari Park, a pet project of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who recently visited Kenya to sign the deal.

It is not clear what type of animals the Kenyan government plans to offer Thailand, but the project's stated aims are to boost tourism in the Thai prime minister's home province of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

President Mwai Kibaki expressed the hope that Thailand would support the East African country's bid for a United Nations Security Council seat at the signing of the agreement with the Thai prime minister in Nairobi last week.

Richard Leakey, former head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, expressed shock at the new development in a deal he had strongly questioned.

"If these reports are true, the government should back down from this embarrassing deal immediately while they still can," he said, calling the development "outrageous, despicable."

"The government has yet to explain what these Kenyan animals are being sent to and what the end result of the transaction really is," added Leakey.

Questions directed to the Kenyan government remained unanswered in the capital Nairobi.

--DPA 2005-11-17

[tyznd]

I'm beginning to think LOS stands for Land of Stupidity. Reading crap like this makes it easier to understand some of the dumbass laws these morons pass.

If you didn't have the poontang and low cost of living factors, there wouldn't be any other reason to live here. The air is polluted, the food is unhealthy, the roads are dangerous and the people are untrustworthy.

Forgetting the cliche "the grass is always greener" isn't there somewhere else in the world that is affordable, healthier and with more sensible locals to deal with?

[Hendrikus]

I have the impression that everything is eaten that has legs, other than tables and chairs. Not certain about the latter, though.

The consumption of humans is also not uncommon, worldwide.

http://www.forteanti...124_mummy.shtml

Regards.

[RDN]

george, on 2005-11-17 18:48:05, said:

..."If it is illegal to eat a giraffe here, why would we want to send our giraffes to Thailand for that purpose?" added Wamba......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Er, yes, indeed! But this really shows what the people running Chiang Mai zoo actually think about the animals in their care. Not a lot.

[Pattaya_Fox]

Chiang Mai....will soon be known worldwide as the land of barbarism.

I think that Toxin had better get the wheels in motion and arrange to back down from these ideas by calling them a misunderstanding....and that infact there will be no animals eaten on the Zoo premises.....but a small restaurant just outside the zoo will serve........

[bkkexplorer]

george, on 2005-11-17 15:16:11, said:

Excellent marketing. Excellent!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely right george, but probably unintentional. After all this outrage, and when they come to their senses, my guess is they'll take a few dishes off the menu...

[jaideeguy]

Totally stupid...............AMAZING THAILAND DOES IT AGAIN!!!!! They open a zoo, defination of zoo follows......

zoo [zoo]
(plural zoos)
n
1. park displaying live animals in enclosures: a park where live wild animals from different parts of the world are kept in cages or enclosures for people to come and see, and where they are bred and studied by scientists
2. chaotic place: a place characterized as being full of noisy obstreperous people creating confusion and disorder (informal)


[Mid-19th century. Shortening of zoological garden .]
Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2004. © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

maybe the 2nd defination is more correct for this administration........


i guess that a 'night safari' means that you eat the animals that you view [or disturb while viewing?] ...

SHOOT THE CAPTIVE BEASTS AT NIGHT, WHILE THEY ARE BLINDED BY THE FLOOD LIGHTS!!! THEN COOK 'EM AND EAT 'EM!!!

definately bad judgement and hopefully will get the international bad press that they deserve.

[cgigate]

Very good!
the best meat is dog's!

[Johpa]

Darkling, on 2005-11-17 13:19:21, said:

Of course they will go all the way to Nakhon Sawan to get the dog meat. 'Here lad (must be said with Thai accent) just nip down the wat and get us a couple of them mangy dogs, no one will know once i've skinned em'

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why go as far as Nakhon Sawan when there are so many unemployed Akha around Chiang Mai? I can certainly attest to their skills in preparing canine meat dishes.

[Scott]

This is truly sad. It's not that I am against eating certain animals--although I won't. It has to do with a whole host of things all the way from disease prevention to how/where these animals are raised to the method of slaughter.

It's taken many countries years and years to stop the slaughter of their wild animals (or at least control the killing). Now we have the encouragement of "trying new things."

I can only guess that he is trying to attract the wealthier strata of Chinese society because most westerners would not be impressed with this type of food. And, it isn't like it's some sort of a tradition. It's a gimmick.

[Canadianvisitor]

<snip> original long post deleted. RDN

I think I will spend my holiday elsewhere.
I cannot support any country where this type of archaic, ignorant,
destructive behaviour is condoned.
The fact that there are no animals left in the jungles is bad enough.
I am ashamed of Thailand and surprised by even the fact that
someone thought it was a good idea.
Horrible press will follow, protests will come, this is just bad.

Edited by RDN, 2005-11-17 22:06:46.

[Rhys]

Baliff Whack his PEPE..

[bob/nyc]

I understand that the cows and chickens in Thailand are all standing up, happy and cheering. A new lease on life for them.

[george]

Plan for exotic menu called ‘barbaric’

BANGKOK: -- Social critics and environmental activists have pronounced the “exotic menus” that the Chiang Mai Night Safari plans to offer, a grotesque reversal of the worldwide trend to protect wild species.

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, who is also the president of the Thailand Environment Institute, said yesterday that while some parts of Thai society had been working hard to campaign for conservation, others were acting in a way that eroded their good work.

He made the comments while presiding over the award-presentation dinner for the seventh Green Globe Awards 2005, which are handed out to media bodies as well as individuals and communities who have contributed outstanding work in the fields of the environment and conservation.

“Any individual or group who acts in any way that damages nature or the environment will ultimately reap the consequences,” Anand said.

He also said that as well as highlighting the excellent work being done with the Green Globe award, he wished to point to and condemn those individuals practising damaging behaviour.

“There has been a worldwide trend for conservation that has attempted to stop the consumption of wild animals and focus on conservation, so he (Plodprasop) must explain to the public what is happening in our society,” Anand said in his condemnation of zoo project director Plodprasop Suraswadi’s idea to offer a daily buffet of “wild” cuisine in the zoo’s Vareekunchorn restaurant for Bt4,500 a head.

Sumet Tantivejkul, secretary-general of the Chai Pattana Foundation who was a speaker at the event said that when people see the Earth and nature itself as merchandise, it signals morally desolate times.

Nikhom Phutta, an official at the Wildlife Fund Thailand, said the idea would destroy the identity of Chiang Mai, which relies on its unique culture and natural beauty and is often referred to as a land of gentility and generosity. He added that the state officer whose duty it is to conserve the environment was actively promoting the “barbaric idea” in the blinkered pursuit of money.

When the idea for the “wild menus” comes to the attention of the rest of the world, it will destroy the country’s image as a member of Cites, Nikhom said.

Plodprasop yesterday explained that he had adopted the idea from some game parks and farms in Africa that offer wildlife for their patrons’ consumption. He added that he wanted to import the wild animal meats, which include zebra and jungle bull from such farms for special occasions. He also said that the idea of providing crocodile and dog meat was not that unusual, as the meats were already available in the country.

--The Nation 2005-11-18

[Maejo Man]

george, on 2005-11-18 00:24:42, said:

Plan for exotic menu called ‘barbaric’

Plodprasop yesterday explained that he had adopted the idea from some game parks and farms in Africa that offer wildlife for their patrons’ consumption. He added that he wanted to import the wild animal meats, which include zebra and jungle bull from such farms for special occasions. He also said that the idea of providing crocodile and dog meat was not that unusual, as the meats were already available in the country.

--The Nation 2005-11-18

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Now the back stepping begins. What happened to the lions and tigers? "Sorry luv, tiger's orf the menu today"

[socalbro]

Actually its suprising they don't have a "kill it yer'self" option for those really in need of big face. Shotgun shells and a tie-down of your animal are included, all for maybe about 20,000 Baht. It has to die somehow, why not increase profits and let the diners have a little pride in their meals.

Even big hair hi-so girls can be brave hunters now. Just have your driver pull up alongside some unsuspecting beaver or koala bear or whatever, hold your coctail tight between your knees and pull the trigger a few times, and you just killed your first big game dinner.

Maybe for 40,000 Baht or so they could even let you torture the animals for a while first. You get to keep the hide, bones and teeth to make tribal safari outfits and jewelery, proudly announcing that you can afford to pay an absurd amount of money for the prestige of killing, maiming and eating your very own majestic wild animal.

Being far more culturally sophisticated and socially polished than the common peasant on the street, their more advanced nature will be ever more evident as they parade through the Emporium in a "Crocadille Dunde" genuine animal hide outfit, available exclusively from the Chiang Mai Night Safari.

What says "I'm richer than you'll ever be" better than a panda bear tuxedo, one of only two available in all Thailand. The Chinese might get pissed off for a while, but they will come around shortly, as who better than they know how important a man's need to eat an endangered species in order to maintain a 36 hour erection and de-flower no less than a dozen virgins is, and far outweighs the need to protect any animal species, no matter how rare on our planet they are.

Last time I was at the Chiang Mai Zoo there were no moose in their cages, so until they can get some, I'll just have to wait until the "Rocky & Bullwinkle Mixed Grill" is back on the menu before blowing all my rent money on another "Huckleberry Hound Pie" or "Laughing Hyiena Hamburger" again. A nice red wine always goes best with good dog meat, domestic or otherwise, however white wine is a must with any rodent or marsupial dishes.

A safari is what they call it?!? Sounds more like the circus to me, one where the clowns somehow got in charge.

[cobra]

Spin control in full force,

I'm sure there won't be anything on the menu that's furry and cute,

[Potato]

george, on 2005-11-17 09:16:11, said:

Excellent marketing. Excellent!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Special wok for giraffe ? fast cooker for Cheetah ?
Special clinics for 3 legged elephants
(you can't eat a good elephant all at once)
For some obscure reason i find this

[Maejo Man]

Potato, on 2005-11-18 01:05:50, said:

george, on 2005-11-17 09:16:11, said:

Excellent marketing. Excellent!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Special wok for giraffe ? fast cooker for Cheetah ?
Special clinics for 3 legged elephants
(you can't eat a good elephant all at once)
For some obscure reason i find this

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Judging by that last post Potato, they are doing the right thing in not serving alcohol after midnight.

[Nignoy]

Well this came as a bit of a shock, sort of destroys everything I have said in the last week or so. It is apalling, but sadly once again a reason to knock the thais, but this goes on everywhere nothing to do with race or creed or country, just profit!!!Here in Brisbane there are a few places that have exotic meats on the menu the only reason koala is not on the menu is because they are in edible, but all in all a nother real setback for thailand,nignoy

[mandl]

jaapfries, on 2005-11-17 13:34:35, said:

jaideeguy, on 2005-11-17 12:04:18, said:

Amazingly stupid .........they should be offering boiled government officials on the menu instead of endangered animals!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

====================================================


FINALLY: someone's come-up with a SENSIBLE idea !

. . . . they should be offering boiled government officials on the menu instead of endangered animals!!

Jaudeeguy: I couldn't agree more ! ! ! !

PS-1: Mind you, their politics are totally unpalatable; what makes you think their 'final' culinairy qualities would end-up like ? ? ? ? ? ?
PS-2: Then again; it may be tough eaten', but at least THEY wouldn't be able to do any further damage to this magnificent Kingdom ! ! right ?!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

PS-3 They're certainly not an endangered species!

What a stupid idea. This is bound to be yet another black eye for LOS.

[mastermason4]

george, on 2005-11-17 00:24:49, said:

CHIANG MAI SAFARI: Rare animals on the menu at zoo

CHIANG MAI: -- Visitors offered daily buffet of lion, tiger, elephant and giraffe meat; conservation groups outraged. Lovers of “wild” cuisine are in for a treat when Chiang Mai’s Night Safari opens next year, project director Plodprasop Suraswadi said yesterday. Visitors to the park’s Vareekunchorn restaurant will have the option of tucking in to an “Exotic Buffet” of tiger, lion, elephant and giraffe, for just Bt4,500 a head.

The park, which had a soft opening yesterday, officially opens on New Year’s Day.

The animal-buffet idea has drawn strong protests from wildlife groups, which have expressed concern that the menu of endangered and protected animals will confuse the public and foreign visitors about the real objective of the zoo, as well as Thailand’s stance on wildlife conservation.

According to Plodprasop, animals for the buffet would be imported daily and legally to the zoo.

Ironically, the prime minister said the park would aim to increase public awareness of natural science and wildlife.

“The zoo will be outstanding, with several restaurants offering visitors the chance to experience exotic foods such as imported horse, kangaroo, giraffe, snake, elephant, tiger and lion meat.

“We will also provide domestic crocodile and dog meat from Sakon Nakhon province,” Plodprasop said at a press tour before Thaksin presided over the soft opening.

Plodprasop said food provided at the buffet restaurant would be fresh daily and cooked by five foreign chefs.

Wildlife Fund Thailand secretary Surapol Duangkae said yesterday that although consuming wildlife didn’t violate Cites [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species], it could fly in the face of moral issues and worsen the country’s image on wildlife-trade issues.

“The idea will set the country’s image back a century, because nowadays zoos around the world aim to educate and conserve wildlife, as well as campaigning to stop the killing of animals,” he said.

He said the action of the government would appear to the world as if Thailand approved of the endangered-wildlife trade and consumption.

There have already been cases of 100 tigers exported to China, elephants planned to be transferred to Australia and the illegal import of orang-utans.

Surapol said the country has also been accused of trafficking endangered species, and being a trading centre and hunting ground for endangered species.

“The government’s action seems to confirm these accusations,” Surapol said.

Petch Manopavitr, a Wildlife Conservation Society activist said this was a sensitive issue as the prime minister had previously declared that the country wanted to suppress wildlife trade in the region.

“I see it as a bad idea to market the zoo. In fact, it was wrong from the start with the idea of importing wild animals from Kenya,” Petch said.

Petch was also concerned about illnesses from eating wild animals.

“The zoo should be a place for study and conservation, not killing. Promoting the eating of wild animals will confuse adults and children about what’s right and what’s wrong,” he said.

However, the prime minister seemed unconvinced by Plodprasop’s idea as he said that only part of a crocodile’s body could be eaten and it therefore wouldn’t be worth killing.

--The Nation 2005-11-17

Tune in to Radio Bangkok and listen to the full story at 3pm & 9pm:
http://www.thaivisa....showtopic=51025

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Dradam]

According to my understanding, the menu will only be served once (at the Grand Opening). I think the menu is in poor taste and is giving Thailand a worse name in animal conservation but at least it won't be an ongoing menu.

[Zoltan]

cgigate, on 2005-11-17 21:08:45, said:

Very good!
the best meat is dog's!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Gulp!!!!

[Waverider]

This news must be a hoax.