Bangkok - Wildlife officials in Thailand have begun removing tigers from the grounds of an infamous temple, despite opposition from the temple authorities.
Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yanasampanno, better known as Tiger Temple, in north-east Thailand's Kanchanaburi province is home to over 130 tigers.
Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has long accused the temple, a popular attraction where tourists can stroke and pose for photos with the big cats, of keeping the animals without a proper permit.
Conservationists also accuse the monks of carrying out irresponsible breeding programmes, trafficking of endangered species and illegally selling the animals. The temples denies the claims.
The temple's lack of cooperation and its decision to let free 10 tigers, has made the removal operation more difficult, The Nation newspaper reported.
With the first batch of animals taken away in cages on Monday, in some cases after being sedated, the department hopes to remove all the tigers in the next seven days.
Most will be sent to breeding centres in neighbouring Ratchaburi province.
DPA