Television Adventurer Frank Cuesta Arrested for Illegal Possession of Wildlife

Television adventurer and naturalist Frank Cuesta faces more troubles, this time of an official nature. In addition to battling cancer, as announced by Cuesta himself, and a strained relationship with his ex-wife, the Thai police have arrested him on Thursday, accusing him of illegal possession of protected wildlife at his 'Liberty Sanctuary', where he shelters animals.

The Department of National Parks in Thailand stated that the arrest followed an email complaint received on February 14, the author of which remains undisclosed. The complaint alleged that "a foreigner was in possession of protected wild animals without permission, such as otters, slow lorises, and others."

Specifically, authorities in Lao Khwan, Kanchanaburi province, identified "a 53-year-old Spaniard - Frank Cuesta in this case" as being "in possession of two types of protected wildlife." A total of 10 animals without any official documentation proving their acquisition were seized from his premises, although the adventurer denies this claim, reports Europa Press.

Frank Cuesta, popularly known in Spain by his television nickname 'Frank of the Jungle', claimed to have acquired the otters "at flea markets at different times." The police report also mentions that the detainee established "two foundations to receive donations to help animals through online channels in Bangkok and Kanchanaburi province."

However, the authorities have refrained from directly identifying Frank Cuesta - who specializes in reptiles and amphibians - referring to him as "a Spanish citizen." He is now accused of an offense under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act for allegedly possessing "protected wildlife without the Director General's permission."

Finally, the police add that the protected wildlife mentioned in the complaint was "seized as evidence" and sent to the Wildlife Conservation Division.