Thailand: Probe under way as illness kills 72 tigers in tourist park
BBC World
February 24, 2026
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Authorities in Chiang Mai, Thailand, are investigating the deaths of 72 tigers at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai, a popular tourist attraction where visitors can interact with the big cats. The fatalities occurred over less than two weeks across two facilities, prompting officials to cremate and bury the remains. Initial tests revealed the presence of canine distemper virus, which is highly contagious and affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. While typically found in dogs, this virus can also infect big cats, often leading to fatal outcomes.
The outbreak has raised questions about its origin. Early speculation pointed to raw chicken meat as a potential source, as it was linked to a previous bird flu outbreak in 2004 that killed nearly 150 tigers. However, authorities have yet to confirm the cause definitively. Veterinarians and staff working with the tigers have not shown signs of illness but are being monitored for 21 days as a precaution.
Canine distemper virus is challenging to detect in tigers compared to smaller animals like cats or dogs due to the difficulty in observing symptoms early. This delay likely contributed to the rapid spread of the disease, leaving officials with little time to act once they realized the tigers were sick. The provincial livestock office also identified a bacteria associated with respiratory disease in the samples.
The situation has drawn attention to the living conditions of captive tigers used for entertainment. Animal rights groups, such as Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, argue that this tragedy highlights the vulnerability of animals in such facilities to infectious diseases. Peta Asia suggested that avoiding attractions like Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai could reduce similar incidents, urging tourists to refrain from visiting venues where wild animals are kept for entertainment.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has temporarily closed its doors for two weeks while officials conduct disinfection efforts. This case underscores the broader issue of disease outbreaks in wildlife facilities and raises concerns about the ethical treatment and safety of captive animals. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper animal welfare standards to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026