Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai loses 72 tigers to canine distemper outbreak
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Seventy‑two tigers died in under two weeks at two Tiger Kingdom sites – The deaths occurred this month across both facilities of the popular tourist park in Chiang Mai, which allows visitors to touch the big cats [1].
Tests confirmed canine distemper virus and a respiratory‑related bacteria – Laboratory analysis of tiger carcasses showed canine distemper virus; earlier samples had also indicated feline parvovirus and a bacterium linked to respiratory disease, with raw chicken initially suspected as the source [1].
Authorities say the virus has stopped spreading and no humans are infected – Officials announced at a Tuesday news conference that the outbreak is contained, no further tiger deaths are expected, and none of the staff have contracted the disease, though they remain under 21‑day observation [1].
All tiger remains have been buried and the park closed for disinfection – The carcasses were interred, a recommendation was made to euthanise any gravely ill survivors, and Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has been shut for two weeks while cleaning crews work [1].
More than 240 tigers were housed at the two facilities, highlighting captive‑wildlife risks – The park’s population exceeded 240 big cats, and animal‑rights groups say the tragedy exposes the extreme vulnerability of captive tigers to infectious disease [1].
Wildlife groups blame tourism and call for stricter standards – Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand warned of “extreme vulnerability of captive wildlife facilities,” while Peta Asia said such tragedies would be less likely if tourists avoided these attractions [1].
- Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department – “By the time we realised they were sick, it was already too late.”
- Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (statement) – The deaths “exposed the extreme vulnerability of captive wildlife facilities to infectious disease.”
- Peta Asia (statement) – “Tragedies like this would be far less likely to happen” if tourists “stayed away” from these attractions.