Shocking Moment Tourist Is Mauled by Tiger While Attempting Selfie at Private Wildlife Park

Chiang Mai, Thailand – In a chilling incident that has once again highlighted the perils of wildlife tourism, a 28-year-old tourist from Australia was mauled by a Bengal tiger while attempting to take a selfie at a private wildlife park near Chiang Mai on Sunday. The shocking moment was captured on video by another visitor and has since gone viral, raising international concern over the safety protocols—or lack thereof—at wildlife attractions.

A Selfie Gone Terribly Wrong

Witnesses say the tourist, later identified as Daniel Parker from Melbourne, had been visiting the privately owned “Tiger Realm Sanctuary” during a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. The park, a controversial tourist hotspot, allows visitors to enter enclosures and take photographs with adult tigers, a practice that has long drawn criticism from animal rights organizations.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage reviewed by authorities, Parker had entered a tiger enclosure along with a group and a park handler. While other visitors stood several feet away from the animals, Parker moved closer to one of the larger male tigers, crouched beside it, and attempted to take a selfie using his smartphone.

“The handler told him to stay behind the guide line, but he didn’t listen,” said Marie Fournier, a French tourist who was in the group. “He got too close. The tiger was calm, and then suddenly it turned and lunged at him.”

The video shows the tiger, named Rama, swatting at Parker before sinking its teeth into his shoulder. Screams erupted from the crowd as the handler rushed to intervene with a metal rod, striking the animal several times before it released its grip. Staff pulled Parker to safety and administered first aid while waiting for emergency services.

Serious Injuries, but Stable Condition

Parker was transported to Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for deep lacerations to his upper torso, puncture wounds, and a partially dislocated shoulder. Hospital officials confirmed Monday morning that he is in stable condition and conscious but remains in intensive care.

In a brief statement from his hospital bed, Parker expressed regret and urged others to “respect the power of wild animals.”

“I thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime photo,” he said. “But I didn’t realize how quickly things could go wrong. I’m lucky to be alive.”

Park Under Investigation

Thai authorities have launched an investigation into Tiger Realm Sanctuary, which has previously faced scrutiny for its treatment of animals and lax enforcement of safety measures.

A spokesperson for Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said, “Initial findings indicate that the facility may have violated safety regulations by allowing visitors too close to dangerous wildlife without adequate supervision. We are reviewing the park’s license and protocols.”

The park has temporarily closed its gates to the public and released a statement describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate.” It added that “all park animals are well-trained and generally docile,” but acknowledged that wild animal behavior can be unpredictable.

However, critics argue that training and so-called domestication do not eliminate the risks posed by apex predators like tigers.

A Growing Controversy in Wildlife Tourism

The incident has reignited global debate over wildlife tourism practices, particularly the ethics and safety of “selfie tourism” involving big cats and other exotic animals.

Organizations such as World Animal Protection and PETA have long campaigned against tourist interactions with tigers in captivity, citing both animal welfare concerns and risks to human safety.

“These animals are often drugged or beaten into submission to allow people to touch them,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, a wildlife conservation expert based in London. “It’s exploitative, and it’s only a matter of time before another person gets hurt—or worse.”

Thailand, known for its rich biodiversity and thriving tourism sector, has seen an increase in private wildlife parks marketing “close encounters” with predators as social media content. With influencers and tourists seeking viral moments, the pressure to offer immersive experiences has grown.

Yet, conservationists warn that these practices undermine the real purpose of wildlife sanctuaries, which should prioritize rehabilitation and protection, not entertainment.

Public Reaction and Viral Backlash

The video of the attack has amassed millions of views on social media within 24 hours, with reactions ranging from horror to condemnation.

Many users criticized Parker for disregarding safety rules, while others questioned why such encounters are allowed at all. “This is not an accident—it’s a disaster waiting to happen,” wrote one Twitter user. “Wild animals are not props.”

Others expressed sympathy for the tiger, emphasizing that Rama was reacting naturally to what it may have perceived as a threat.

“It’s always the animal that gets blamed or punished,” commented wildlife photographer Jonas Rook. “But here, the human made a reckless decision. These parks are fundamentally flawed in how they manage human-wildlife interactions.”

So far, Tiger Realm has not indicated any plan to euthanize the tiger, though authorities have requested a behavioral evaluation of the animal before allowing any further public contact.

Looking Ahead: A Tipping Point?

As the investigation unfolds, the broader conversation around wildlife tourism is gathering momentum. Some hope the incident will serve as a wake-up call for stricter regulation and public education.

“Photos aren’t worth your life—or the suffering of an animal,” said Dr. Martinez. “We need to shift away from selfies and toward genuine conservation.”

For now, Daniel Parker’s narrow escape may become the symbol of a global problem: the dangerous intersection of vanity, tourism, and wild nature.