These exotic animals were destined for dinner plates in southern Thailand.<br/> Thai customs officials said they had confiscated over 2700 animals worth more than 100,000 dollars, after they stopped a truck some 540 miles south of the capital Bangkok.<br/> Among the rare creatures were king cobras, various turtles, and even a civet.<br/> One officer said all the animals originated in Thailand and were all intended for human consumption.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Thai) DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ROYAL THAI CUSTOMS PRASONG POONTHANET, SAYING:<br/> "All of these 2,717 animals, worth more than four million Baht. All these are for eating."<br/> Certain Asian cultures believe eating particular endangered animals can boost sexual power.<br/> But Thailand has signed an agreement in the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species prohibiting the trade of endangered animals - and these lucky survivors will now be cared for in a national park.<br/> Travis Brecher, Reuters
