These exotic animals were destined for dinner plates in southern Thailand.
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.
Among the rare creatures were king cobras, various turtles, and even a civet.
One officer said all the animals originated in Thailand and were all intended for human consumption.
(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ROYAL THAI CUSTOMS PRASONG POONTHANET, SAYING:
"All of these 2,717 animals, worth more than four million Baht. All these are for eating."
Certain Asian cultures believe eating particular endangered animals can boost sexual power.
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.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
