Trat: Urgent treatment is being administered to "Merry-Christmas," a pair of confiscated lions from the Trat border area, suffering from constipation and tooth decay. The Department of National Parks is developing a long-term health rehabilitation plan for the animals. The director of the Wildlife Conservation Office disclosed that examinations revealed feces packed with fur, sand, and bone fragments, necessitating adjustments in nutrition and close monitoring.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sukhee Boonkrang, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, received a report from Mr. Sutthipong Kaemthaptim, Head of the Wildlife Breeding Group, and Mr. Pakphum Aramsirirujivej, Head of Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station in Ratchaburi Province. They reported abnormalities in the excretory system of two confiscated lions under the station's care, prompting the dispatch of a veterinary team for urgent diagnosis and treatment.
The veterinary team, comprising Dr. Suphakan Kaewchoti, Dr. Sunita Wingwon, and Dr. Laksana Prasittichai, anesthetized the lions and conducted abdominal X-rays to assess their conditions. The examination revealed severe constipation, with compacted feces in the lower intestines, although no large foreign objects were detected. The team performed an enema, uncovering significant amounts of hair, sand, and bone fragments in the feces, contributing to constipation and defecation difficulties. Post-treatment, the veterinary team administered intravenous and subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and nutritional supplements to aid recovery.
Further oral health examination identified significant tooth decay and tartar buildup, leading to a scaling procedure and blood sample collection for laboratory testing to evaluate overall oral health. Both lions recovered well from anesthesia without complications.
The Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station, in collaboration with the veterinary team, has established a long-term health care plan, focusing on nutrition, prescribed medication, and close monitoring of the lions' digestive systems. This plan ensures that "Merry" and "Christmas" maintain good health and receive necessary welfare.
These lions, confiscated wild animals rescued by Marines near Ban Tha Sen, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Trat Province, were found near the Thai-Cambodian border, specifically around the Khon Kaen Thmodha area. They were transferred to Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station on December 25, 2025, and named "Merry" and "Christmas" to commemorate their rescue on Christmas Day.