Thai wildlife officials reportedly found 40 dead tiger cubs in a freezer Wednesday at the Tiger Temple, a controversial tourist attraction. The site is under investigation for its involvement in trafficking the endangered species. Rangers were already removing adult tigers from the site after receiving complaints that it participated in illegal wildlife trade. Tiger parts, which can be used for traditional medicine in China, are illegal to sell—but are in high demand. The temple has repeatedly denied any role in exploiting or abusing the animals in its care, and representatives say the bodies were kept as proof they were not sold. “We have declared all the deaths to the officials over years,” said Supitpong Pakdjarung, who runs the business operation of the temple. “They’ve known about these carcasses for a long time.” But wildlife officials said only one of the 40 dead cubs was reported, as is required.
