Nov. 11, 2005 — The Kenyan government Thursday confirmed giving Thailand 175 wild animals, despite spirited opposition from infuriated wildlife welfare activists and conservationists.

The announcement came a day after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra held talks behind closed doors in the capital Nairobi on enhancing bilateral ties and witnessed the signing of an agreement.

"We are giving them 175 animals out of more than 1.4 million animals. None of the animals are on the endangered species list," government spokesman Alfred Mutua told a press conference in Nairobi.

"This is a gift among friends whose relationship is very strong and one that is beneficial to the people of Kenya and Thailand," he said.

Earlier Thursday, Thaksin told reporters that the Asian nation was not taking advantage of Kenya to get the wildlife.

"Those who are criticizing (us) without knowing will feel sorry for what they are doing," he said before leaving for Turkey.

"We are not coming to take advantage of Kenya. We are developing countries. We have sympathies for each other. Everything will go according to the law and international principles, please understand that," he added.

The spokesman said a timeline for the relocation of animals to the soon-to-be-opened Mae Hia Safari Park in Thailand's northern Chiang Mai province had not been set but experts were working on the details.

In addition, Mutua rejected earlier claims that Thailand was offering expert elephant trainers and $1 million (1.2 million euros) to boost conservation in the country.

"Thailand is not paying for any of the animals. However, the translocation and upkeep of the animals is being conducted at Thailand's expense and according to international laws and safety," he said.

The deal, signed on Wednesday, "is open-ended and it is in our interest to ensure that all animals are safe and healthy. If any animal is experiencing difficulties, we will be able to work with it and even return it back home," Mutua told reporters.

Lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards are not among the 24 different species earmarked for export.

Zebras, flamingos, African buffalo, wildebeests, hippos, spotted hyenas, silver-backed jackals and impalas will be transported to Thailand, Mutua said.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare led the criticism over the government's decision.

"This 'gift' is being given to cultivate our friendship (but it) is (like) giving away our heritage," International Fund for Animal Welfare’s spokeswoman Elizabeth Wamba said.

Conservationists also pointed to the detrimental effects wildlife exportation could have on Kenya's tourism industry, the mainstay of the country's economy.

In 2004, the country earned 42 billion shillings (about $556 million) from the sector, which had been battered by travel warnings and fears of terrorism attacks.

"Stocking zoos in Thailand with our rare species has dire consequences for our tourism industry and development," said Ibrahim Ali, the coordinator for Wildlife Clubs of Kenya.

"We are now not simply exporting animals but also tourism out of this country," he added.