At least 72 tigers have died from a mysterious disease at Thailand’s popular tourist attraction, Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai. The fatalities occurred across two separate enclosures between 8 and 19 February, accounting for roughly 30 percent of the park’s tiger population.
The park, located in northern Thailand, allows visitors to interact closely with the animals. Following the outbreak, authorities closed the facility for 14 days to conduct a full disinfection, and surviving tigers are being vaccinated as a precaution.
Somchuan Ratanamungkalanon, director of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed that tests detected the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV)—a highly contagious virus among animals. Officials noted that there is currently no evidence of transmission to humans. Some bacterial infections were also identified in certain cases.
Authorities are investigating the origin of the outbreak. Initial suspicions pointed to feline parvovirus, while the possibility of contaminated raw chicken being a source is also under review. Severely ill tigers were humanely euthanized to alleviate suffering, and deceased animals have been buried on-site.
Animal rights groups, including PETA Asia and the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, criticized the park’s conditions and animal care, noting that visitor interactions may have contributed to the outbreak. PETA Asia stated that limiting tourist contact could have significantly reduced the risk of such a tragedy.
Officials reported that the virus is no longer spreading and that the remaining tigers are healthy. Park staff continue to monitor the animals closely as a precautionary measure.