Mae Rim –
More than 70 tigers reportedly died mysteriously within a month at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The deaths of dozens of animals forced the popular tourist attraction in Mae Rim District, Thailand, to temporarily close for two weeks for a thorough investigation.
The management of the privately managed Tiger Kingdom immediately closed access for visitors and carried out disinfection in all areas of the facility. Meanwhile, the tiger carcass was sent to Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to undergo laboratory tests, according to local provincial livestock officials.
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Quoting the Bangkok Post, Saturday (21/2/2026), tiger deaths began to occur on February 8. Initial suspicions point to feed in the form of raw chicken meat supplied from a private farm. However, the authorities emphasized that the exact cause of death could not be ascertained and they were still waiting for the results of laboratory tests.
The surviving tigers have been moved to the Tiger Kingdom care center in Mae Taeng District for intensive monitoring. Director of the Regional Office for Protected Area 16 (Chiang Mai), Kritsayarm Kongsatri, confirmed that his party had received reports regarding the death of around 70 tigers in the park.
“Losing so many tigers in such a short time is very unusual,” he said.
A formal investigation is now being overseen by the Chiang Mai Provincial Livestock Office. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will also send a team to assist with observations and provide technical support.
In the midst of the investigation, rumors circulated that a veterinarian involved in the necropsy process had fallen ill and was isolated as a precautionary measure, following fears of a possible bird flu outbreak. However, until now, officials have not confirmed any connection between this case and the tiger’s death.
Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai stated that it would close operations for 14 days for a thorough disinfection process and restrict access while the investigation was ongoing. The management has not provided an official statement regarding the alleged link to feed, while waiting for laboratory test results.
Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Co Ltd, the company which also manages Tiger Kingdom Phuket as well as three other Tiger Parks in Phuket and Pattaya. The company is known for focusing on the breeding and conservation of Indochinese tigers, and often partners with local zoos in animal exchange programs.
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