Tourists Criticized for Filming Tiger Hunt at Close Range in Ranthambore National Park

Tourists Slammed for Filming Tiger Hunt Up Close at Ranthambore National Park (Image: Youtube video grab)

Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park found itself at the center of controversy after a group of tourists filmed a tiger hunting a deer at dangerously close range. The video, originally posted on the park's official Instagram account but later deleted, showcased the wildlife encounter, drawing widespread criticism from conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The footage captured the tiger in action, its raw power and agility on display as it took down its prey. Meanwhile, tourists in safari jeeps filmed the dramatic moment on their phones from an alarmigly close distance, with one individual even taking a selfie. While the event might have offered a rare and thrilling glimpse into the predator-prey dynamics of the wild, it quickly became a flashpoint for debate over ethical wildlife tourism and safety protocols.

The caption accompanying the now-deleted Instagram post described the scene as “a rare and breathtaking moment,” celebrating the unpredictability of the wild. However, the video’s popularity—garnering over 12,000 views and 1,200 likes within hours—was overshadowed by a flood of negative comments.

Social media users were quick to criticize both the tourists and park authorities. “This is unnecessary. They have been too close,” one user remarked. Another lashed out, saying, “It’s ridiculous that you are allowing so many people near its habitat, utterly disgusting.”

Wildlife advocates argued that such close proximity to a hunting tiger poses significant risks not only to visitors but also to the animal itself. They accused the park authorities of failing to enforce regulations meant to maintain a safe distance between wildlife and humans.

This incident has reignited conversations about the ethics of wildlife tourism in India. Conservationists have pointed out that allowing tourists to venture so close to an apex predator’s natural behavior can disrupt its habitat and provoke unnecessary stress.

Ranthambore National Park, renowned for its thriving tiger population and lush landscapes, attracts thousands of visitors annually. However, incidents like this underline the urgent need for stricter monitoring of tourist activities to ensure the safety of both animals and people.

As the backlash continues, the episode serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between wildlife tourism and conservation, raising questions about how such encounters can be managed responsibly to protect India's iconic wildlife.

A controversial video from Ranthambore National Park shows tourists dangerously close to a tiger hunt, sparking backlash and debates on wildlife tourism ethics and conservation safety protocols.