Exposes Dark Reality of Thailand’s “Selfie Zoos” After Tourist Attack

New Delhi, December 20, 2025: A wave of international outrage has been ignited following the release of a viral video documenting a terrifying tiger attack at a popular “selfie zoo” in Phuket, Thailand. In the footage, which surfaced in late May 2025 and continues to trend this December, an Indian tourist is observed being mauled after attempting to pose for a photograph with a captive big cat. While the victim survived with minor injuries, the incident has served as a catalyst for a global exposé on the hidden cruelty and systemic abuse that sustain the lucrative “wildlife selfie” industry.

The Viral Attack: A Moment of Predatory Instinct

The incident occurred at Tiger Kingdom, a well-known attraction where visitors are permitted to enter enclosures for close-range interactions. In the 25-second clip, an unidentified male tourist is seen kneeling next to a fully grown tiger while a trainer stands nearby.

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Behind the Scenes: The “Broken” Spirit of Captive Tigers

The viral video has prompted animal welfare organizations, including World Animal Protection, to release investigative reports exposing what truly happens to these animals behind the “perfect” Instagram shot. It was noted by experts that the docility seen in these zoos is not natural behavior but the result of extreme psychological and physical conditioning.

The Illusion of Safety in Wildlife Tourism

The attack has highlighted the inherent dangers of treating apex predators as domestic pets. It was emphasized by conservationists that even captive-born tigers retain their wild instincts, which can be triggered without warning by sudden movements or physical contact. As the year draws to a close, the viral “Selfie Zoo” video remains a stark reminder of the ethical cost of a vacation photo. For the tigers of Thailand, the flash of a camera is not a moment of celebration, but a life of confinement and suppressed instincts.