Mysterious Tiger Deaths Prompt Closure of Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai
Mae Rim, Thailand – A significant outbreak of tiger deaths at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, Thailand, has led to the temporary closure of the popular tourist attraction for a thorough investigation. Reports indicate that over 70 tigers died within a span of one month, raising concerns about the cause of the fatalities.
Investigation Launched
The management of Tiger Kingdom immediately closed visitor access and initiated a disinfection process across the facility following the reports of the deaths, which began on February 8th. Carcasses have been sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University for laboratory testing to determine the cause of death, according to local provincial livestock officials .
Initial Suspicions and Ongoing Analysis
Initial suspicions have focused on raw chicken meat supplied by a private farm as a potential source of the problem. Yet, authorities emphasize that the exact cause remains undetermined pending the results of the laboratory tests. Surviving tigers have been relocated to a care center in Mae Taeng District for intensive monitoring.
Kritsayarm Kongsatri, Director of the Regional Office for Protected Area 16 (Chiang Mai), confirmed the reports of approximately 70 tiger deaths, describing the situation as “very unusual.”
Collaboration and Rumors
A formal investigation is being overseen by the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office, with assistance from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Rumors have circulated regarding a veterinarian involved in the necropsy process falling ill and being isolated as a precaution, prompting fears of a possible bird flu outbreak. However, officials have not yet confirmed any connection between the two incidents.
Temporary Closure and Company Information
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai has announced a 14-day closure for comprehensive disinfection and restricted access during the investigation. Management has refrained from commenting on the alleged link to the feed supply while awaiting laboratory results.
Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd, which also manages Tiger Kingdom Phuket and three other Tiger Parks in Phuket and Pattaya. The company is known for its focus on breeding and conservation of Indochinese tigers and frequently collaborates with local zoos in animal exchange programs.