Ziya Birkan, Deputy Managing Director and Laguna Resorts & Hotels, said in the statement, “We’re very pleased the authorities have resolved the question of Joey’s parentage through DNA testing.
“Obviously [we are] disappointed he won’t be able to return here to his former role as a popular and much-loved member of our Laguna Phuket family.
“Joey was acquired by us in good faith after we carried out exhaustive due diligence, receiving written confirmations [that] he was legally registered and obtained through necessary regulations.
“Now that has been proven not to be the case, we hope the authorities will continue to use DNA testing to thoroughly investigate the legality of elephants.
“The wellbeing and welfare of our elephants at Laguna Phuket’s Elephant Camp is paramount to us. The Camp has been inspected and approved by Richard Lair, chief advisor to the [government-owned] Thai Elephant Conservation Centre [where Joey is now living with his “illegal” mother].”
See earlier story here.