Songkhla Zoo director faces transfer as probe ordered into missing rare albino barking deer
An investigation has been launched over a missing albino barking deer from Songkhla Zoo after the zoo director reported that the animal was swallowed by a python.
Chawalit Chukhajorn, board president of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand, which is looking into the incident, told Issara News Agency: “This is a serious issue, as the albino barking deer is a rare animal that Her Majesty the Queen Mother had given to Songkhla Zoo to breed,” he said. “I have set up an investigation committee chaired by Aphidet Singhaseni, vice president of the Zoological Park Organisation, while I will personally fly to Songkhla on Friday to investigate the scene.
“The discrepancy in the zoo’s and director’s reports could mean that the barking deer was stolen and someone wanted to cover up the evidence,” added Chawalit.
“I will also discuss with the board transferring the zoo director out of the area to facilitate the investigation.”