The largest wild cat rescue operation in Thailand (15 photos + 1 video)
A tigress reduced to skin and bones by starvation was one of 15 wild cats rescued from a zoo in Mukdahan, northern Thailand. In horrific footage, an emaciated Salamas lies on dirty concrete and can barely get up. 
Salamas was so weak that she could barely walk. Animal rights activists feared that she would not wake up after the sedatives, so they abandoned them. With the last of her strength, the tigress climbed into the cage for transportation; of course, she was lured with food. 
WFFT Wildlife Rescue Center founder Edwin Vick said: "We were afraid she was too weak to walk, but she made an effort and stumbled into the cage."
It took Salamas twelve hours to get to the reserve. Rescuers hope that the predator will begin to recover, despite the fact that she is very thin and has large areas of fur missing from her body. 
Other rescued animals include a timid tigress named A-1 and 20-year-old tiger Rambo, who suffers from breathing problems. They spent their entire lives in cramped and dirty enclosures.
A total of 35 tigers and 18 leopards will be rescued, with the first 15 selected based on urgent medical needs. 
"This is the largest rescue operation for a private organization in Thailand. Tigers, leopards and other animals will see freedom for the first time in their lives. They will feel direct sunlight and grass under their paws. They will have the freedom that every animal deserves," Vic said.
The reserve in Phetchaburi province in the south of the country is a specialized tiger rescue center covering more than seventeen acres of almost natural habitat.
The conservationist added: "After months of planning, we are thrilled to finally give these magnificent animals a new life at the WFFT Tiger Rescue Centre. Unfortunately, they will not be returning to the wild, but we can offer them the best: a safe home where they "We are grateful to Thailand's National Parks and Wildlife Department for taking action against illegal wildlife trade and working with WFFT."
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"The first twelve tigers and three leopards have been rescued, but there are still many animals left on the farm. We are desperate to get back and rescue them as soon as possible, but as an organization with no government funding, we rely solely on donations."
The farm in Mukdahan has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle with wildlife officials.
Local media reports the menagerie has been subject to repeated inspections, including in 2020 when the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Conservation found evidence of illegal wildlife trade, such as a severed tiger head and other parts.
The farm is located in northern Thailand, near the border with Laos. The area, located on the Mekong River, is believed to be a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking.
There are about 1,700 tigers in captivity in Thailand, according to WFFT. Many of them grew up on tiger farms, where the animals are bred and sent to neighboring countries as exotic pets. Their body parts, including their headsaza, bones and whiskers, are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
