A Spanish TV star was arrested over his alleged collection of illegal wildlife in Thailand.

Frank Cuesta, 53, reportedly kept protected animals at his sprawling 40-acre estate in Kanchanaburi province.

He was said to have imported some of the wildlife from abroad to raise and breed at his private 'Noah's Ark'.

Police raided the Spanish ex-pat's menagerie after suspicious locals reported him for posing with exotic animals on his Instagram account.

Footage shows officers sweeping through the property, where dozens of animals including kangaroos, ostriches, capybaras, emus, and peacocks were found roaming through grass and woodland. There were also several protected reptiles like Sulcata tortoises and reticulated pythons.

Cuesta, who was born Francisco Ramos, allegedly admitted to purchasing the animals as pets and claimed that the land belonged to his son. 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Banlop Sompong of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division said: 'The inspection found that Mr Francisco, a Spanish national, was the caretaker of the area and he admitted to being the owner of the animals.

'In addition, it was found that the area had been secretly opened as a farm to raise and breed animals, both Thai and foreign breeds, without permission. Among the animals in question, there were protected species. Therefore, the suspect was arrested and sent to the Lao Khwan Police Station, Kanchanaburi Province for further legal action.'

The policeman said that the seized wildlife were being transferred to the Protected Areas Regional Office 3.

Frank allegedly admitted to buying and owning the animals without permission. He was detained and charged with 'possession of protected wildlife without proper permits'.

The Central Investigation Bureau warned that owning protected animals without permission could result in a penalty of up to five years in jail, a fine of up to 500,000 baht, or both.

Frank Cuesta is a Spanish adventurer, TV presenter, and wildlife activist known for hosting nature and survival shows where he interacts with dangerous animals. He is also recognised for his advocacy in wildlife conservation and his public efforts to combat illegal animal trafficking.

His ex-wife, Yuyee Alissa Intusmith, a former Thai model, was arrested in Thailand in 2012 and sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly carrying cocaine. The couple claimed they were framed and that the case was linked to their activism against illegal wildlife smuggling.