Tourist mauled by tiger during Thailand selfie incident

An Indian tourist was attacked by a tiger at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand, while attempting to pose for a photo inside the animal's enclosure.

The incident was caught on video and widely shared online, sparking international concern over the continued use of wild animals in tourism entertainment.

Multiple sources have stated that the tourist was encouraged to take a selfie with the big cat, and while getting closer, the tiger reacted and mauled the man.

This is the latest example of how captive wildlife used for tourist selfies can pose serious risks to both people and animals.

Why are tigers still used in tourist photo experiences?

Facilities can often market themselves as safe, family-friendly attractions where tourists can pose with big cats.

But behind the scenes, tigers are often kept in inadequate conditions, trained using coercive methods, and exploited for profit.

Our previous investigations have revealed a grim reality in venues offering tiger selfies in Thailand. These include:

• Cubs separated from their mothers within weeks of birth
• Animals kept in barren cages with little stimulation
• Signs of stress, including pacing and self-harming
• Use of physical punishment to control behaviour

These are not conservation efforts. They are commercial operations that rely on animal cruelty to function.

The dangers of wildlife selfies for people and animals

Close encounters with wild animals, especially predators like tigers, are never risk-free.

Wild animals retain their instincts, even when born in captivity, and can react unpredictably to stress, noise or sudden movements.

Allowing tourists to enter enclosures for photos creates unsafe conditions that can result in serious injury or death.

It also puts animals at risk of harm when they lash out and are punished as a result.

No selfie is worth suffering, for people or wildlife.

Tourists must choose responsible wildlife experiences

Tourists hold the power to stop animal suffering by making informed choices and travelling responsibly.

If you're offered a chance to hold, ride, or take a selfie with a wild animal, ask yourself: is this in the animal's best interest?

You can protect wild animals by:

• Refusing to visit venues that offer close-up wildlife interactions
• Supporting sanctuaries that do not allow contact and focus on rescue, not entertainment
• Spreading awareness about the cruelty behind wildlife tourism
• Booking with travel companies that have animal welfare policies in place

If you can ride it, hug it or take a selfie with it, it's likely exploitative. Support venues that put animal welfare above entertaining tourists.

Wild animals belong in the wild, not in tourist attractions

This latest tiger mauling incident is part of a wider pattern of exploitation in the global wildlife tourism industry. Wild animals are not props.

Tigers are sentient beings who deserve to live free, not be treated as photo opportunities.

It's time to end the demand for wild animal entertainment and build a future where animals are protected in the wild, where they belong.