Chiang Mai, Thailand – Web Desk: At least 72 tigers have died at a private wildlife park in northern Thailand due to a highly contagious virus, authorities confirmed. The outbreak occurred at Tiger Kingdom, where park management could not be reached for comment.
Provincial livestock officials in Chiang Mai reported that tests revealed the presence of a highly infectious canine distemper virus along with bacteria affecting the respiratory system. The National Livestock Department noted that detecting illness in tigers is more challenging than in domestic cats or dogs, and by the time the disease was identified, it was too late to save many animals.
Animal rights group PETA Asia stated that the tigers died in conditions of extreme stress, confinement, and fear, similar to other captive animal welfare crises. Experts have urged that private wildlife parks increase disease monitoring and implement stricter biosecurity measures to prevent such outbreaks.
The incident raises concerns about the management and safety protocols of privately operated wildlife facilities, particularly regarding the health of endangered species.
