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“People Are Stupid”: Man Brutally Attacked By Tiger After He Tried To Click A Selfie With It
Man kneeling near tiger with another man holding the tiger's leash in an outdoor enclosure setting.

“People Are Stupid”: Man Brutally Attacked By Tiger After He Tried To Click A Selfie With It

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In yet another instance of humans defying nature, a man was mauled by a tiger after attempting to take a selfie with the predator in Thailand.

Footage shows the reckless visitor at the Tiger Kingdom zoo in Phuket kneeling beside the wild animal and placing his arm around its back as if it were a friend.

The animal suddenly knocked the tourist over, and he began to scream in desperation.

Highlights
  • A tourist was mauled by a tiger after putting his arm around its back at a zoo in Phuket, Thailand.
  • A handler wrestled with the animal to prevent it from taking the tourist’s life.
  • The incident is the latest in a series of tiger attacks on humans at zoos, sparking renewed concern about the safety of wildlife tourism.

A handler quickly intervened, wrestling with the animal to prevent further injury to the man.

The video went viral, with many viewers expressing little surprise at the outcome of the visitor’s actions.

It also reignited debates about the ethics and safety of wildlife tourism in petting zoos like Tiger Kingdom.

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    A man was attacked by a tiger in Thailand, after attempting to take a selfie with the animal

    Tiger showing sharp teeth with mouth open in a forest setting, illustrating man brutally attacked by tiger incident.

    Image credits: DS light photography/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)

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    “When you sedate a beast of prey, chain and captivate it for your own selfish profit, this is what you get back!” one person wrote.

    “People are stupid playing with a predator,” another simply stated.

    “Tigers should be allowed a large jungle to roam free and hunt freely, not to pose for selfies with tourists,” agreed a separate user.

    Footage shows the tourist placing his arm around the tiger before it suddenly knocked him over

    Man walking with tiger on a chain while trying to take selfie, highlighting dangers of tiger attack and people being stupid.

    Image credits: sidhshuk

    On its website, Tiger Kingdom promotes a “lifetime experience” of close interaction with tigers and cheetahs—posing for photos and even petting them.

    Both children and adults appear in gallery photos with the animals, snuggling with them on the floor, stroking cheetahs’ ears, grabbing a tiger’s tail, or posing with their faces touching the animals.

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    The video of the incident went viral and sparked debate over the ethics and safety of wildlife tourism

    Man interacting with tiger attempting risky selfie, highlighting dangers of people being stupid around wild animals.

    Image credits: sidhshuk

    “Our animals are never chained, sedated, declawed or defanged,” the website states. “Daily human contact helps to create a bond between tiger and keeper and makes our big cats responsive to positive reinforcement training.”

    It also mentions that their tigers “have no fear of humans and do not see” them as prey, adding that the wild animals are “very relaxed” around people.

    According to The Daily Mail, the man in the video was fortunate to have sustained only minor injuries in the attack.

    Animal rights groups have raised concerns about the welfare of animals in such enclosures, alleging that tigers are often sedated to keep them submissive.

    Tiger Kingdom, where the attack occurred, offers close interactions with their big cats, claiming they are “very relaxed” and “have no fear of humans”

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    Man attacked by tiger while trying to take a selfie, showing a dangerous close encounter with a wild animal in captivity.

    Image credits: sidhshuk

    Comment criticizing people for trying to take a selfie with a tiger, highlighting the danger of such actions.

    Comment on social media about tourists risking safety to take selfies with tigers, risking brutal attacks.

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    Campaigner group Lady Freethinker (LFT) said it had found cruelty against “photo-prop” animals in visits to 11 zoos across Thailand, The Independent reported in 2023.

    These practices included holding lit flames under the tigers’ noses to make them lift their heads for photos, as well as whipping the animals.

    Elisa Allen, PETA vice president of the UK, criticized the zoos, saying, “The quest for a ‘cute’ selfie or a few ‘likes’ on social media has fuelled a lucrative worldwide market of exploitation and cruelty.”

    The zoo claims its animals are not chained, sedated, declawed, or defanged

    Young woman feeding a tiger cub with a bottle at a wildlife park, illustrating risks of close encounters with tigers.

    Image credits: The Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm

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    People have also called for the Thai government to implement stricter regulations to ensure the safety of both animals and humans.

    There have been many cases of seemingly “tame” tigers attacking people. In 2017, zookeeper Rosa King was mauled by a tiger at Hamerton Zoo Park in England and lost her life at the scene due to traumatic injuries.

    The 33-year-old woman had entered an enclosure without recognizing that a metal slide designed to isolate the animal had been left open.

    Calls have been made for the Thai government to introduce stricter regulations to protect both humans and animals

    Two people posing with a tiger, illustrating the danger of a man being attacked after trying to take a selfie with it.

    Image credits: Tiger Kingdom

    In 2014, The Guardianreported that an Australian tourist, Paul Goudie, required surgery after being mauled by a young tiger at Tiger Kingdom.

    “We did everything as the park people advised,” Goudie told reporters at the hospital after sustaining serious injuries to his left leg and stomach.

    In 2014, an Australian tourist was seriously injured by a young tiger at Tiger Kingdom

    Woman lying next to a resting tiger, highlighting the risks involved in close encounters with wild tigers for selfies.

    Image credits: Tiger Kingdom

    “I am not sure why it bit me. When it did [attack] I had no choice except to whack it in the face a couple of times.”

    Goudie stated that the handler had been with his group “the whole time,” and the attack occurred shortly after he patted the animal.

    “Everything was fine. I just stood up to leave,” he described.

    Tiger resting on stone steps inside a cage, highlighting dangers people face when trying to take selfies with wild animals.

    Image credits: Africa Studio/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)

    Thai authorities said Goudie may have moved awkwardly as park handlers assisted him back to his feet, with the unusual movement triggering the attack, the outlet reported. 

    The tiger was tasered by park staff, forcing it to retreat.

    Tiger resting on grass near tree trunks in a forest setting, highlighting risks of a man attacked after trying to click a selfie with it.

    Image credits: AB Photography/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)

    In 2013, Isabelle Brennan, a 19-year-old British student, was left permanently scarred after a tiger weighing approximately 400 pounds (180 kilograms) knocked her to the ground and bit through her thigh at the Tiger Temple park in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

    Two years earlier, in 2011, a Thai woman sustained serious injuries to her head and arm after being attacked by a tiger at the Million Year Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm in eastern Thailand.

    Social media users strongly criticized the tourist’s behavior

    Man attacked by tiger after attempting to take a risky selfie with the wild animal, highlighting dangers of close encounters.

    Comment by Dajana Van de Kamp questioning what is shocking, related to people attacked by tiger after trying to click selfie.

    Facebook comment by Lorna Ovens questioning the judgment of a man getting close to a tiger before an attack.

    Facebook comment by Maxine Falvey saying What did he expect with a reaction icon beneath the text.

    Facebook comment saying served him right, just hope the tiger ok discussing a tiger attack after selfie attempt

    Comment by Ravish Maheshwari stating people are stupid playing with a predator in a social media post.

    Facebook comment stating a warning about a wild animal belonging to the jungle and advising to take it back.

    Man brutally attacked by tiger after attempting to take a risky selfie, highlighting dangers of unsafe wildlife encounters.

    Facebook comment criticizing a man who tried to click a selfie with a tiger, highlighting the stupidity of the act.

    Comment by Priyanka Sahasrabhojanee criticizing wildlife tourism involving cruelty such as caging or sedation of animals.

    Comment on social media post by Idoko Peter stating experience is the best teacher, relating to a tiger attack selfie incident.

    Comment from CJ Worby reacting to a man being brutally attacked by a tiger after trying to take a selfie.

    Comment on social media post saying got what he wanted after man was brutally attacked by tiger trying to take selfie with it.

    Facebook comment by Frances Currington questioning people's actions after a man was attacked by a tiger while trying to take a selfie.

    Facebook comment by Jorge Barranha expressing frustration over repeated wild animal incidents and people not learning from them.

    Comment warning against taking selfies with tigers in Thailand due to dangers of tiger attacks on people.

    Facebook comment expressing concern about people’s stupidity and hoping the tiger involved in the attack is okay.

    Comment by Di King warning about dangers of trying to pet a wild animal instead of letting it live freely in the wild.

    Comment warning against taking selfies with wild animals, emphasizing safety and letting tigers be free.

    Comment on social media about a man attacked by a tiger after attempting to take a selfie, highlighting dangers and animal freedom.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

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    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    Kyra Noelle
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As much as you would like to cuddle, leave the murder kitties alone!

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the famous entertainer Roy (of the duo Siegfried & Roy) got attacked by a tiger, Mantacore, who the pair had allegedly raised since birth. And they were both experts in working with big cats - they had over four decades of experience training and performing with big cats when the attack occurred. I would love to snuggle a big cat (snow leopard preferred, lol) but they are still non-domesticated animals even if raised from birth by humans.

    Load More Replies...
    Chuck
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am solidly on Team Tiger

    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FAFO. Kitty's gonna Kitty with a 1,050 psi bite force. 😬

    Tyranamar
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even house cats are not 100% predictable. I've gotten a few scratches. And I know cats very well. Now imagine it's a tiger. That little "scratch" is an ER visit.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Belgian Malinois found two tiny kittens hiding in my backyard this last weekend. (He was raised with cats and loves them, so he was just excited about finding them.) I put him inside and reached under to remove the kittens so I could make sure they were okay. I got bitten pretty badly by two kittens who each weigh less than two pounds XD Even little tiny domestic kittens can do some damage, and their mouths/claws aren't exactly sterilized/clean. (Kittens have calmed down significantly since last weekend and I will be keeping them!)

    Load More Replies...
    Marnie
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who are the crazy, immoral 11% of BP readers who answered the poll about tourist attractions with close contact with big cats: "Yes, as long as proper safety measures are in place"

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tigers are barely manageable up to about a year old. After that, leave them well alone.

    Lynchamigsakta
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No leave them alone period, they're not toys or pets

    Load More Replies...
    pineapple87
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's called natural selection

    Rika
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humans are animals. Do you go out to put your arm around a random person in the street and take a selfie ? No ? Why the eff do you think that it's okay to do it with other animals ?

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have absolutely no sympathy for this guy, and I feel deeply uncomfortable about feeling this way. But that's just how it is.

    Load More Comments
    Kyra Noelle
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As much as you would like to cuddle, leave the murder kitties alone!

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the famous entertainer Roy (of the duo Siegfried & Roy) got attacked by a tiger, Mantacore, who the pair had allegedly raised since birth. And they were both experts in working with big cats - they had over four decades of experience training and performing with big cats when the attack occurred. I would love to snuggle a big cat (snow leopard preferred, lol) but they are still non-domesticated animals even if raised from birth by humans.

    Load More Replies...
    Chuck
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am solidly on Team Tiger

    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FAFO. Kitty's gonna Kitty with a 1,050 psi bite force. 😬

    Tyranamar
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even house cats are not 100% predictable. I've gotten a few scratches. And I know cats very well. Now imagine it's a tiger. That little "scratch" is an ER visit.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My Belgian Malinois found two tiny kittens hiding in my backyard this last weekend. (He was raised with cats and loves them, so he was just excited about finding them.) I put him inside and reached under to remove the kittens so I could make sure they were okay. I got bitten pretty badly by two kittens who each weigh less than two pounds XD Even little tiny domestic kittens can do some damage, and their mouths/claws aren't exactly sterilized/clean. (Kittens have calmed down significantly since last weekend and I will be keeping them!)

    Load More Replies...
    Marnie
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who are the crazy, immoral 11% of BP readers who answered the poll about tourist attractions with close contact with big cats: "Yes, as long as proper safety measures are in place"

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tigers are barely manageable up to about a year old. After that, leave them well alone.

    Lynchamigsakta
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No leave them alone period, they're not toys or pets

    Load More Replies...
    pineapple87
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's called natural selection

    Rika
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humans are animals. Do you go out to put your arm around a random person in the street and take a selfie ? No ? Why the eff do you think that it's okay to do it with other animals ?

    Hippopotamuses
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have absolutely no sympathy for this guy, and I feel deeply uncomfortable about feeling this way. But that's just how it is.

    Load More Comments
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