Thailand's Wildlife Hospital expands to enhance animal care

Lantao, a young long-tailed macaque, is recovering at a wildlife hospital in Thailand. She was found on the island of Ko Lanta with a broken arm, malnourished, and traumatized. Volunteers brought her to the Wildlife Hospital of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), which has been treating injured animals since it opened in 2005. The hospital cares for a variety of wild animals, including tigers, leopards, pangolins, and gibbons. Many of these animals come from poor conditions, having been exploited in the tourism industry or kept as pets. Founded by Edwin Wiek in 2001, WFFT is respected for its efforts to rescue and rehabilitate these creatures. Wiek has faced challenges while rescuing animals like Joe, a macaque who lived in terrible conditions for 25 years. His work has made him a significant figure in animal rights in Thailand, where animals are often seen only as sources of income. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WFFT rescued 11 tigers and other animals from Phuket Zoo. Many of these tigers have never felt grass under their paws until now. The organization also helps elephants, many of whom have been abused by their handlers. Dr. Kwan and her team treat all kinds of animals, from sick birds to injured snakes. They are even building a larger hospital to improve care for wildlife. This new facility will be equipped for advanced procedures, helping animals like Lantao receive the treatment they need.