Ep 7. Tigers

Tigers are beautiful creatures that are often referred to as the king of the jungle. However, the demand for their parts from traditional Chinese medicine and exotic cuisine has led to the illegal trafficking of tigers. Episode 7 of Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller delves into this black market for tiger parts, which fuels poaching and illegal trade across the globe.

Mariana van Zeller travels to Thailand, a major hub for tiger trafficking, to follow the trail of the black market trade. She meets with various people involved in the trade, including a wildlife investigator and an undercover agent working to expose the trafficking of tigers and their parts.

Through interviews and hidden camera footage, the episode uncovers the illegal practices of the traffickers who are exploiting tigers for monetary gain. Mariana meets with a poacher who boasts about his hunting skills and the high prices that tiger parts fetch on the black market. She also visits a restaurant in Hong Kong, where a tiger bone dish is prepared and served for exorbitant prices. It is revealed that the restaurant owner is aware of the illegality of this dish, but still continues to serve it to lucrative clients who seek rare and exotic foods.

The episode takes a closer look at the demand for tiger parts in traditional Chinese medicine, which is a key driver of the illegal trade. Mariana speaks with practitioners who believe in the healing powers of tiger parts, including a doctor who claims that consuming tiger bone is effective in treating osteoporosis. The episode sheds light on the misconceptions associated with traditional Chinese medicine, which is often based on superstitions rather than scientific evidence.

The episode does not shy away from highlighting the brutal reality of the poaching industry. Footage of tigers being hunted, drugged, and killed for their parts is shown, which will undoubtedly shock and disturb viewers. Mariana van Zeller interviews an activist who believes that the only way to stop tiger trafficking is to eliminate the demand for their parts. He claims that education and awareness campaigns are essential to change people's attitudes towards tiger consumption and traditional medicines.

Throughout the episode, Mariana also explores the efforts of law enforcement agencies to crack down on the illegal trade of tigers. She accompanies an undercover agent as he makes a deal with a trafficker, which eventually leads to a high-profile arrest. The episode also shows how governments are introducing measures to protect tigers, including a project in Thailand that aims to breed tigers in captivity and reintroduce them to the wild.

Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller season 1 episode 7, Tigers, delves into the cruel and dangerous world of tiger trafficking. The episode exposes the ruthless practices of the traffickers who exploit tigers for their parts, highlighting the urgent need to address the demand for tiger parts in traditional medicines and exotic cuisine. The episode is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect these majestic creatures and the importance of taking action to end their illegal trade.