Dozens of Tigers Die at Tourist Park in Northern Thailand as Disease Probe Begins

By Blessing Nweke

Authorities in Chiang Mai are investigating the deaths of dozens of tigers at a popular tourist attraction after 72 animals died within less than two weeks at Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai.

The deaths occurred across the park’s two facilities, where visitors are allowed to touch and interact with tigers. Officials said the animals were among more than 240 tigers living at the attraction prior to the outbreak.

Thailand’s livestock department reported that samples taken from the tigers tested positive for canine distemper virus, though authorities have not officially confirmed the virus as the sole cause of death. The remains of the animals were cremated and buried earlier this month as a precaution.

Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department, told local media that the illness spread rapidly and was difficult to detect. He noted that signs of sickness in tigers are often less obvious than in domestic animals such as cats or dogs.

Provincial officials said laboratory tests also found bacteria linked to respiratory disease. Earlier preliminary findings suggested the animals may have been infected with feline parvovirus, while investigators also examined whether contaminated raw chicken feed contributed to the outbreak.

The incident has drawn comparisons to a 2004 bird flu outbreak at a tiger zoo in Chonburi Province, where nearly 150 tigers died or were euthanised to contain the spread.

Health officials said no veterinarians or staff working at the enclosures have fallen ill, but they are being monitored for 21 days.

Animal welfare organisations, including Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and PETA Asia, say the tragedy highlights the vulnerability of captive wildlife facilities.

The park has been temporarily closed for two weeks while authorities conduct disinfection and continue their investigation.