Chiang Mai province authorities reported Tuesday that 72 tigers died in recent weeks at Tiger Kingdom, a popular tourist attraction where visitors pay to interact with the animals. Testing by the provincial livestock office detected the highly infectious canine distemper virus alongside bacteria targeting the respiratory system.

Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, director of Thailand’s national livestock department, explained the rapid fatalities to local media. “When tigers fall ill, it is more difficult to detect than in animals like cats or dogs,” he said. “By the time we realized they were sick, it was already too late.”

The outbreak struck without warning. Tigers at the park began showing symptoms that officials linked to the dual pathogens. Canine distemper, which spreads easily among carnivores, causes severe neurological and respiratory damage. In big cats, it progresses swiftly, often proving fatal before treatment can begin.

Tiger Kingdom staff could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The park’s website promotes close encounters with tigers of various ages and sizes, drawing crowds eager for photographs and physical contact. Such attractions have boomed in Thailand, where tiger petting experiences generate significant revenue.

Animal welfare groups seized on the deaths to renew criticism of the industry. “These tigers died the way they lived—in misery, confinement and fear,” PETA Asia stated. The organization urged tourists to avoid such venues. “If tourists stayed away, these places would quickly become unprofitable, and tragedies like this would be far less likely to happen,” it added.

Officials from the Chiang Mai livestock office detailed the findings in a February 20 statement. Necropsies on several carcasses confirmed the viruses and bacteria. The park houses hundreds of tigers, many bred specifically for tourist interactions. Thailand’s wildlife trade has long drawn international scrutiny, with past scandals involving illegal breeding and parts trafficking.

Veterinarians noted challenges in monitoring health among large predators kept in enclosures. Early signs of distemper—fever, nasal discharge, coughing—can mimic common ailments. By the time lethargy and seizures appear, recovery odds plummet. No tigers survived once symptoms advanced, according to the report.

Authorities imposed quarantines at the park to curb spread. Additional tests screen remaining animals. Thailand’s Department of National Parks has inspected similar facilities before, citing overcrowding and poor hygiene as risks. This incident marks one of the deadliest in recent years for captive tigers in Southeast Asia.

Conservationists worry about broader implications. Wild tiger populations hover below 4,000 globally, per recent surveys. Captive breeding programs aim to bolster numbers but face accusations of exploitation. PETA and allies push for global bans on tiger tourism, arguing it fuels demand for cubs and weakens anti-poaching efforts.

The Chiang Mai deaths prompt questions about regulation. Park operators must register with livestock authorities, but enforcement varies. Somchuan called for stricter veterinary protocols. “We need better surveillance systems tailored to exotic animals,” he said.

Tiger Kingdom remains open, though visitor numbers may dip amid the news. Thailand’s tourism board has not commented. Past outbreaks, like a 2012 distemper case at a zoo killing four tigers, underscore recurring vulnerabilities in captive settings.