Originally published on August 13, 2014, at ForceChange.com

Target: Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand

Goal: Improve the miserable living conditions of animals in Thailand’s Phuket Zoo

Animals in captivity at the Phuket Zoo in Thailand are barely surviving due to decrepit living conditions. Zoo officials have refused to address the fact that their animals live in filthy cages with dirty drinking water. Many of the animals appear malnourished and suffer from untreated wounds. Demand that the animals trapped in this zoo receive protection against further cruelty and mistreatment.

Phuket Zoo is most famous for allowing tourists to take pictures with a heavily sedated tiger that has been chained to the floor. Sadly, the mistreated tiger is one of the few animals allowed to rest in the shade all day. Most of the zoo’s inadequate enclosures do not provide the animals with protection from the elements, completely depriving overheated animals of shade and forcing them to remain uncovered during rain or thunder. With little food and no fresh water, most of the animals appear sickly and lethargic.

Instead of running a freak show, the Phuket Zoo needs to place the care of the animals first. Tourists do not want to take their families to see stressed out and malnourished animals writhing in the sweltering heat. These creatures need proper medical treatment and improved living conditions immediately.

By signing the petition below, you will help urge the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, to improve living conditions at the Phuket Zoo and protect these captive animals from further mistreatment.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear King Bhumibol Adulyadej,

The severe abuse and mistreatment of animals at the Phuket Zoo must be stopped. Numerous tourists have complained that the animals on exhibition appear malnourished and suffer untreated medical conditions. Instead of being an international laughingstock, Phuket Zoo should improve the animals’ poor living conditions immediately.

Chaining a tiger to the floor is a completely insensitive act, but sedating a tiger every day forcing it to lay helplessly as tourists take photos with it is disturbing on a whole new level. Animals have also been reported to be residing in disgusting cages where they are forced to drink filthy, unsanitary water. Clearly, the Phuket Zoo places profits over the health and welfare of its inhabitants.

Stop ignoring these problems and allowing Phuket Zoo officials to continue mistreating these animals. I urge you to take immediate action to save the animals at Phuket Zoo from further torment and ensure that they are provided with proper medical care, fresh drinking water, adequate enclosures, and healthier living conditions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: “Moe-tography” via Flickr