Nagpur: A viral video showing tourists stepping out of their vehicles and moving dangerously close to a tiger on a road near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) has triggered widespread criticism, with wildlife experts warning that reckless tourism is increasingly threatening both human safety and the well-being of India’s iconic big cats.
The footage, which has been widely circulated on social media, captures several visitors abandoning the most basic rules of wildlife tourism. Instead of remaining inside their vehicles, as mandated during safaris, they are seen approaching the tiger in an apparent attempt to capture close-up photographs and videos.
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Wildlife conservationists have condemned the incident, describing it as yet another example of tourists treating a tiger as a social media attraction rather than a wild predator deserving respect and space.
Experts warn that such behaviour not only puts lives at risk but also disturbs the natural behaviour of wild animals. A tiger that feels cornered, surrounded or threatened can react unpredictably, potentially leading to tragic consequences for both tourists and forest staff.
“The objective of a jungle safari is to observe wildlife responsibly, not to chase, surround or provoke animals for viral content,” said a wildlife enthusiast, expressing concern over the increasing disregard for safari regulations.
The Tadoba incident is far from an isolated case. Across the country, forest authorities have repeatedly dealt with tourists violating wildlife protection norms in pursuit of dramatic photographs and online popularity.
In January 2026, safari vehicles in the Phato Eco-Tourism Zone near Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand were caught on camera chasing a tiger at high speed. Following public outrage, the Forest Department barred two safari drivers and two nature guides from conducting safari operations.
Similarly, in November 2024, three tourists were fined Rs 15,000 after they got out of their vehicle inside Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and chased a herd of deer. The offenders were identified through viral video footage, prompting swift action by forest officials.
Conservationists say these repeated violations point to a disturbing trend where wildlife tourism is increasingly being driven by the race for viral reels and social media validation rather than appreciation for nature.
Forest officials have consistently cautioned that tigers are apex predators, not photographic props. Stepping out of safari vehicles, blocking an animal’s movement, making loud noises, crowding wildlife or attempting to get closer for better visuals can cause immense stress to animals and increase the likelihood of conflict.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safari rules, including heavy penalties, suspension of safari permits and accountability for guides and drivers who fail to prevent tourists from violating regulations.
Wildlife experts insist that responsible tourism begins with respecting the animal’s space. A memorable tiger sighting is not defined by how close one gets to the animal, but by allowing it to remain undisturbed in its natural habitat.
As incidents of irresponsible behaviour continue to surface from India’s tiger reserves, conservationists warn that unless authorities adopt a zero-tolerance approach, wildlife tourism risks becoming less about conservation and more about dangerous spectacles staged for cameras.
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