A fatal virus and bacterial infection have resulted in the deaths of at least 72 tigers at a private animal sanctuary in northern Thailand recently, according to authorities. The livestock office in Chiang Mai province revealed that testing identified the presence of the highly contagious canine distemper virus and respiratory system-affecting bacteria.
Speaking to local media, Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, the director of the national livestock department, explained the challenges in detecting illnesses in tigers compared to more common pets like cats and dogs. He lamented that by the time the sickness was recognized in the tigers, it was already too late for intervention.
The animal park involved in the tragic incidents, Tiger Kingdom, did not respond to requests for comments as of Saturday. The park’s website promotes opportunities for visitors to interact closely with and photograph the magnificent felines.
PETA Asia, an animal rights group, criticized the situation, stating, “These tigers perished under the same conditions they lived in – suffering, captivity, and fear.” The organization suggested that if tourists avoided such establishments, the financial viability of these places would diminish, potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future.