The response by Tiger Kingdom follows viral reports of an Indian tourist attacked by a tiger while trying to take a selfie. The reports all claim the attack happened at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket.
The viral video that sparked the reports showed the man crouching beside the tiger when it suddenly lunged at him, despite a trainer’s efforts to control the animal.
According to the person who posted the video on X, Sidharth Shuklathe, the man survived with minor injuries.
The incident sparked criticism over safety standards at such attractions and renewed debate about the ethics of allowing close human interaction with captive wild animals.
PETA
Following the incident, the animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for an immediate halt to tiger interactions at Phuket Tiger Kingdom.
“Tigers are not selfie props!” PETA said in a statement, alleging that tigers ‒ both adult and cubs ‒ are held in captivity and forced into close contact with tourists.”
The PETA claims staff at the Phuket facility use batons to coerce tigers into photo opportunities.
The clip, which has sparked international outrage, was referenced in a statement by PETA Asia condemning the treatment of wild animals in tourism settings.
In a statement issued by PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker, the organisation said, “This incident is yet another reminder that wild animals don’t belong in cages or entertainment shows.
“We shouldn’t be surprised when tigers act like tigers. The complex needs of animals can never be met in a zoo, so it’s hardly surprising when they ‘snap’ after years of being restrained, abused, and forced to entertain,” he added.
PETA Asia further called for the tiger to be relocated to a sanctuary and offered assistance in facilitating such a move.
The group also released investigation footage, available on its social media platforms, highlighting alleged mistreatment at facilities like Phuket Tiger Kingdom.
NOT TIGER KINGDOM
Pornrawee Samakthai, Managing Director of the Tiger Kingdom, strongly denied involvement in the incident.
“The viral videos do not depict our location or our staff. The incident occurred in Si Racha, Chonburi, not at our Phuket facility or any of our branches,” she said.
“Tiger Kingdom emphasised its commitment to animal welfare and visitor safety, and tigers at our facilities are not chained or restrained,” she assured.
“Visitors are guided by professional handlers at every interaction point… The brand has never recorded a serious accident since its inception,” she added.
“Tigers are not forced to perform, eat, play, or sleep under pressure," she noted.
“Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom have implemented comprehensive safety and animal care measures,” she added.
“We take serious issue with the false media reports linking us to this incident, which have damaged our reputation,” Ms Pornrawee said.
The company also called for media outlets to correct what it described as a misunderstanding, stating that it had contacted international platforms to clarify the facts.
As of now, no official verification has been provided to confirm the name of the zoo of the video’s origin, but she provided a location in Chonburi.