Authorities in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, are investigating the deaths of dozens of tigers at the popular Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai attraction this month.
Scale of the Loss
Officials confirmed that 72 tigers died in less than two weeks across two facilities of the park, where visitors typically interact with the animals. The local livestock department said samples from the tigers tested positive for canine distemper virus, though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, authorities reported that the remains of the tigers had been cremated and buried. The park had housed more than 240 tigers across its two facilities.
Disease Suspicions
Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of the national livestock department, told local media that detecting illness in tigers is more difficult compared to domestic animals. Provincial officials said samples also showed a bacterium linked to respiratory disease.
Canine distemper virus is highly contagious, attacking the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. While commonly found in dogs, it can fatally infect big cats. Earlier tests had suggested feline parvovirus, while some officials suspected contaminated raw chicken meat as a possible source echoing a 2004 bird flu outbreak in Chonburi province that killed nearly 150 tigers.
Staff and Safety Measures
The disease control department said none of the veterinarians or staff working in the enclosures had fallen ill, but they remain under 21-day observation.
Animal Rights Concerns
Animal rights groups have condemned the incident, pointing to poor living conditions in captive tiger facilities. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand said the deaths highlight the “extreme vulnerability of captive wildlife facilities to infectious disease.” Peta Asia added that tragedies like this would be far less likely if tourists avoided such attractions.
Temporary Closure
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has been temporarily closed for two weeks as officials carry out disinfection work. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the precise cause of the outbreak and prevent future tragedies.
