Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim has temporarily closed to visitors following a disease outbreak that claimed the lives of several tigers, with more than 40 remaining animals relocated to a care facility while officials investigate the cause.
Access has been restricted to outsiders after multiple tigers under the facility’s care fell ill and died. The remaining approximately 40 tigers have been transferred about 30 kilometres away to the enclosure’s quarantine and care centre in Mae Taeng district for observation and treatment.
As of today (20th February 2026), the site remains closed. Chiang Mai livestock officials have returned to collect additional samples after four rounds of full-site disinfection were completed. Officials conducted swab testing at around 600 points throughout the facility to ensure safety before any potential reopening.
A public relations staff member said the facility will close for an initial 14 days to allow for cleaning and disinfection. Health checks of all employees found no infections, and all staff remain in good health.
Preliminary findings indicate the deceased tigers suffered from severe lung infections, though the exact disease has not yet been confirmed and remains under investigation by livestock authorities. All of the tigers that died were elderly. Some of the relocated animals in Mae Taeng have shown mild symptoms, but veterinary teams are continuing close monitoring and care.
Pornnarin Khumthong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office at Protected Areas Regional Office 16, said officials have been dispatched to investigate alongside provincial livestock authorities. The facility has been ordered to close for 14 days while the investigation continues. The exact cause of death is still being determined, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
