In a shocking incident at the Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, Thailand, more than 70 tigers have succumbed to a deadly virus and a bacterial infection. The news emerged as the private zoo, popular with tourists, reported that authorities had been alerted too late to prevent the furthers losses. According to Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, the head of the national livestock authority, by the time there was awareness of the tigers' illnesses, it was tragically too late to act.

Local authorities confirmed that the tigers tested positive for canine distemper, a highly contagious viral disease, and respiratory-affecting bacteria, with reports also mentioning feline panleukopenia. These diseases highlight serious concerns regarding health management at facilities housing wildlife, especially where visitor interaction is commonplace. The zoo typically allows visitors to touch and photograph the tigers, raising ethical questions about the treatment of these animals in captivity.

Animal rights organization PETA has condemned the situation, stating that the tigers endured lives filled with misery, captivity, and fear. This mass death incident emphasizes the need for stricter regulations and better animal welfare practices in zoos, particularly in tourist hotspots. The implications of such events raise awareness of the plight of captive wild animals and the responsibilities that come with their care in entertainment settings.