Wildlife Officials Ban Touching at Lion Cafe After Tourist Mauling

Chiang Mai wildlife officials have tightened controls at a lion cafe and implemented maximum security protocols following a lion attack on a Chinese tourist. On September 2, staff from the Regional Conservation Area Office 16 inspected the facility in Chiang Mai's Muang district after reports emerged on a Facebook page that a visitor had been bitten on the face by a young lion on August 28. The cafe's management confirmed that four Chinese tourists had come for photo sessions, and despite initial screening measures like hand washing and disinfection, one visitor held the cub close to their face and was bitten, sustaining two claw wounds. The cafe provided first aid, transported the tourist to Central Chiang Mai Memorial Hospital for wound treatment and rabies and tetanus vaccinations, refunded the full package cost, and paid an additional 4,000 baht in compensation. Officials discovered that all four lions were legally transferred and held under permit for display and photography between August 17 and September 16. However, the cafe has been formally warned for failing to report the emergency to authorities within 24 hours as required by law. Director Pornrin Kumtong of the Wildlife Conservation Division issued strict new measures: a written warning for the emergency reporting failure, an absolute ban on tourists or outside persons holding or touching lions and cubs, and enhanced monitoring of entry and exit from the display area. Violations will trigger immediate legal action. Officials stated the incident serves as an important lesson, emphasizing that allowing close contact with aggressive wildlife poses extremely high risks. The Regional Conservation Area Office 16 will continue close monitoring of the facility's operations.