A young male Indochina tiger named Balago underwent a successful surgery this week to address an inflamed eye, providing hope for his future in the wild. Discovered roaming in Kamphaeng Phet around a month ago, the two-year-old tiger was relocated to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani for urgent medical attention.
Led by senior veterinarian Pimchanok Songmongkol, a specialized team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) conducted a comprehensive health assessment on Balago. The examination revealed a severely inflamed left eye, causing significant discomfort for the tiger. After careful consideration, the decision was made to surgically remove the affected eye. Following the procedure, Balago received a course of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics to support his recovery.
Samples of the excised eye and blood were sent to the DNP and Mahidol University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science for further analysis to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation.
Balago’s journey began when he was first sighted in Khlong Lan National Park before being captured on February 19 and relocated to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Centre in Lan Sak district for ongoing care and rehabilitation. During the initial medical evaluation, veterinarians discovered Balago was completely blind in his left eye due to a corneal scratch. Additionally, he exhibited a minor injury on his front left paw and displayed signs of malnourishment, as reported by Bangkok Post.
In a related development, the release of bantengs in Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary has resulted in a significant uptick in the Indochinese tiger population, marking a milestone after over three decades. Surveillance cameras captured images of six tigers, a promising sign of successful conservation efforts.
Efforts to merge banteng herds aim to mitigate inbreeding risks and ensure the survival of both species. With robust conservation initiatives in place, the sanctuary serves as a crucial stronghold for preserving biodiversity and safeguarding endangered wildlife in western Thailand.
