Chiang mai: The Regional Office of Protected Areas Region 16 in Chiang Mai has initiated an investigation and implemented stringent security measures at a local cafe after a lion cub bit a Chinese tourist in the face. This incident has prompted officials to prohibit close contact with the animal to prevent further occurrences.
According to Thai News Agency, the Office of Protected Area Management Region 16 unveiled the findings of its inquiry into the incident, which was widely reported online. Mr. Kritsayam Kongsatri, Director of the Office, confirmed that wildlife conservation officers inspected the cafe situated in Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, where the unfortunate event took place on August 28th.
The investigation revealed that the lion cubs were legally relocated to the cafe, as the owner had obtained a temporary change of location permit for the exhibition and photography of four controlled wild animals. However, during a photo session with four Chinese tourists, one tourist brought their face too close to the lion cub, resulting in a bite that left two marks. The cafe provided immediate first aid and transported the tourist to Central Chiang Mai Memorial Hospital for further treatment and vaccinations. Additionally, the establishment refunded the full package fee and compensated the tourist with an extra 4,000 baht.
Mr. Pornnarin Khumthong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, emphasized the importance of enhanced supervision and strict regulations for entering controlled wildlife areas. The cafe failed to promptly notify officials about the incident, leading to a written warning and a ban on direct contact with the lions to ensure visitor safety and animal welfare.
"This incident underscores the risks associated with allowing close interactions with wild animals. Despite initial precautions, the potential dangers remain significant," Mr. Pornnarin stated. The Office of Protected Area Management Region 16 has thus reinforced its security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.