Man pokes Tiger with stick while taking a stroll, watch what happens next

In a shocking and now-viral video, an Indian tourist’s attempt to take a tiger for a walk turned into a terrifying ordeal at Phuket’s popular Tiger Kingdom in Thailand. What began as a casual stroll for the Indian man with the tiger turned a nightmare where wild cat quickly escalated and attacked the man within seconds which sent shockwaves around the social media. 

The 25-second video clip, which has been widely shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), captures the intense moment. The unidentified Indian man is seen taking the tiger for a walk for some minutes and another man who is the trainer, stroking it repeatedly near its lower back, an area many feline species are known to dislike being touched. Just as a trainer uses a stick to signal the tiger to sit down, the animal reacts aggressively, lunging at the other man, who is heard screaming in panic.

Apparently an Indian man attacked by a tiger in Thailand.

This is one of those paces where they keep tigers like pets and people can take selfies, feed them etc etc.#Indians #tigers #thailand #AnimalAbuse pic.twitter.com/7Scx5eOSB4

— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) May 29, 2025

A Moment of Ignorance, A Lifetime of Lessons

According to witnesses, the man sustained minor injuries and was quickly treated by on-site medical staff. The video has prompted a flood of reactions online, ranging from concern for the man’s well-being to criticism of such close-contact wildlife attractions. Many viewers were quick to point out the tiger’s discomfort, citing how repeated touching and unnatural interactions can provoke wild animals, even in semi-controlled environments.

One user commented, "This man was continuously petting the tiger near a sensitive area. The final straw was when he cupped it for a photo — that’s not how you treat a wild animal."

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The Bigger Problem: Human Behavior and Captive Wildlife

The incident has reignited debate over the ethics of wildlife tourism and the treatment of animals in facilities like Tiger Kingdom. Critics argue that placing wild animals in enclosed settings for entertainment purposes not only stresses the animals but also gives tourists a false sense of safety.

While tigers raised in captivity may appear docile, they are still powerful predators with instincts that can surface unexpectedly, especially when provoked. Experts warn that touching or startling these creatures can easily lead to dangerous outcomes.

Respect Wild Boundaries

This unsettling encounter is a stark reminder that wild animals, no matter how tame they appear, are not meant for selfies or stunts. Wildlife tourism should come with a greater emphasis on education, respect, and safety, not just for humans, but for the animals as well.  Let this serve as a cautionary tale: when it comes to wild animals, admiration is best enjoyed from a respectful distance.