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KANCHANABURI, Thailand - Walking fully grown tigers on a leash
is part of a day's work for these Buddhist monks who have
vowed to protect the endangered animals within the walls of their
temple.
The sanctuary is run
by head monk, Phusit Khantidharo, who insists all 10 tigers living
at the Pha Luang Ba Tua temple have adopted peaceful Buddhist ways.
"We are a big family here and we live together, not just with the
tigers but many other animals as well," said Phusit, sitting
cross-legged on a rock surrounded by ten large tigers who take
turns to affectionately nuzzle up to their saffron-robed
master.
AIRS has
pledged to contribute monthly to care for these 10
tigers. If you fly to Thailand, let us know. We will show you
where to visit the Pha Luang Ba Tua Temple. You will be awed by the
variety of healthy wild animals, an experience you will not easily
forget.