The NGO opposed the intended move terming it a waste of the country's few natural resources, according to a report from Kenya Broadcasting Corp.

Justice Joseph Nyamu at the same time said that the case involves interpretation of several conventions and it would be in order if the parties exchanged arguments before settling for hearing on September 25th.

In his official visit to Kenya in May last year, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra lobbied Kenyan government for a shipment of more than 100 animals in return for unspecified technical assistance. The Kenyan government later approved the proposal, infuriating wildlife activists who fiercely opposed the deal.

Kenya has said it would export only "animals that we have in plenty, such as flamingos, wildebeest and the African buffalo".

In return for the animals, which will be sent to the soon-to-be-opened Mae Hia Safari Park in Chiang Mai province, Kenya will get experts on elephant training and one million dollars to boost conservation in the country, Kenyan officials said.

The deal reportedly included included animals from about 30 species, including elephants, hippos, lions and endangered rhinos, but was revised after conservationists objected.

Kenyan officials have said the deal now includes mainly zebras, giraffes and gazelles.

The Nation