Red Panda Seized in Tak Transferred to Khao Kheow Zoo for Rehabilitation
The user wants a short summary of the article about a red panda seized in Tak and transferred to Khao Kheow Zoo. Let me extract the key points: 1. Red panda seized in Tak province (Mae Sot district) on Oct 23, 2026 2. Found in pickup truck
On October 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 PM, Mae Sot Highway Police set up a checkpoint on Srit Thai Road in Tha Sai Luad subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province. During a vehicle inspection, officers discovered a red panda concealed in a pickup truck and seized the protected wildlife. Two suspects were arrested and charged after failing to present legal ownership or import documentation. The case was coordinated with the Mae Sot Wildlife Checkpoint, which received the animal on October 24.
Minister Suthat Chumklin ordered relevant agencies to pursue legal action strictly while prioritizing the animal's health and welfare. He assigned Khao Kheow Open Zoo to care for the red panda due to its experienced veterinary team, expert zookeepers, and proven capacity for wildlife rehabilitation covering animal welfare, nutritional management, and veterinary care.
Narongwit Chotchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, along with veterinarians and animal keepers, prepared to receive the red panda. Priority will be given to health assessment, disease quarantine, close behavioral and symptom monitoring, and providing appropriate habitat and nutrition to restore physical condition, reduce stress, and promote quality of life per animal welfare principles.
Initial health checks found the red panda startled and lethargic but with no severe external injuries. It remains under quarantine with close observation and nutritional rehabilitation. The zoo's veterinary and zookeeper teams will jointly develop a care plan tailored to the animal's specific physical condition and behavior.
The red panda is protected under CITES Appendix I, which strictly regulates international trade. Khao Kheow Open Zoo stands ready to support conservation and wildlife assistance missions alongside relevant agencies to ensure the red panda receives proper care, health restoration, and an appropriate quality of life going forward.
