What was meant to be an exhilarating day exploring the famed Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand turned into a moment of embarrassment and outrage for a group of tourists on November 3, 2025. Instead of tales of tigers and conservation, the group—comprising visitors from France and other countries—found themselves at the center of a controversy that has since ricocheted across social media and drawn swift official action.
The trip began like any other: anticipation running high, cameras ready, and eyes peeled for glimpses of the park’s legendary wildlife. Jim Corbett National Park, after all, isn’t just any sanctuary—it’s home to the world’s highest density of tigers, a fact that draws nature lovers and scientists from around the globe. But, as reported by Hindustan Times and News18, what happened next left the guests stunned and sparked a wider conversation about the state of Indian wildlife tourism.
According to tourist Rattan Dhillon, who chronicled the experience on X (formerly Twitter), the group’s assigned guide offered them tobacco at the start of the safari. "Meet our guide for the day at Jim Corbett National Park and unfortunately, this is what he had to offer: tobacco. We even had to stop him from littering by throwing the packet on the ground. After taking a long one-hour nap during the safari, he woke up only to say, 'Deer meat tastes good.' Not a single word about the park, wildlife, or conservation—just that," Dhillon wrote. The statement, shared on November 3, quickly gained traction, garnering over a million views and igniting a blaze of public commentary.
For the foreign guests, who had come eager to learn about India’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, the incident was not only disappointing but also deeply embarrassing for their hosts. Dhillon’s post captured the collective sentiment: "This is exactly where we fail when those who represent our natural heritage show zero respect or knowledge about it. Sadly, that’s the reality of India’s tourism at times!"
The guide’s behavior didn’t end with the offer of tobacco and the offhand comment about deer meat. As reported by News18, the guide also took a nap for nearly an hour during the safari, leaving the group to their own devices. When he finally roused himself, it was only to make the now-infamous remark about venison. The tourists had to intervene to prevent him from littering the tobacco wrapper, adding another layer of frustration to their outing.
It’s not difficult to imagine the awkwardness that must have hung in the air. Here were visitors from abroad, expecting stories of tigers, elephants, and the park’s conservation triumphs, only to be offered tobacco and a cavalier attitude toward both wildlife and the environment. The incident, as many on social media pointed out, was a stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s tourism sector—especially when frontline staff lack training, passion, or respect for the heritage they’re meant to represent.
The response from Jim Corbett National Park’s leadership was swift and unequivocal. Saket Badola, the Field Director, replied directly to Dhillon’s post: "Thanks for bringing the matter to my attention. Such behaviour is not acceptable, if true." He added, "An inquiry has been instituted and the said nature guide banned till the completion of the investigation. Due action will be taken, based on the findings." This assurance, shared publicly on X, was met with a mixture of relief and hope by concerned citizens and conservationists.
Social media users didn’t hold back in their reactions. One person commented, "I wish other FDs also took things seriously and took action on public complaints. Saket bhai, pls do encourage other FD friends whenever you get opportunities to connect with them." Another chimed in, "Awesome! I wish other field directors were more active on X and addressed such issues in a timely manner. If you meet them, please ask them to get on X. It would be a win-win." A third user, echoing a widely shared sentiment, wrote, "It is very easy to identify people whose habits, such as smoking, gutkha chewing, spitting, fascination for wild meat, etc. Such individuals must be sensitised through training, accompanied by a clear warning that there will be zero tolerance. And there has to be zero tolerance."
The incident has prompted a broader conversation about the standards and expectations for guides and frontline staff in India’s protected areas. While the country boasts some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife and a proud tradition of conservation, moments like this reveal cracks in the system—gaps in training, accountability, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of stewardship.
It’s not just about one errant guide or an isolated case of misconduct. As the viral post’s millions of viewers and commenters made clear, there’s a hunger for higher standards and more meaningful engagement with both tourists and the natural world. Many called for stricter training, regular sensitization programs, and a culture of zero tolerance for behaviors that undermine conservation or tarnish India’s reputation as a wildlife destination.
Officials, too, seem to recognize the stakes. By moving quickly to ban the guide pending investigation, Saket Badola and his team have signaled that such lapses will not be brushed aside. Whether this leads to systemic changes—more rigorous vetting of guides, ongoing education, or better incentives—remains to be seen. But the public response suggests there’s little patience left for inaction.
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as India’s first national park, holds a special place in the country’s conservation story. Named after the legendary British-Indian hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park has long stood as a symbol of India’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. That legacy, however, depends not just on laws and policies but on the people who bring it to life—guides, rangers, and staff who serve as ambassadors to the world.
For the tourists who witnessed the incident, the memory of tigers and elephants may have faded behind the shadow of a single guide’s missteps. Yet, as the park’s leadership investigates and the conversation continues online, there’s hope that this episode will serve as a catalyst for change—one that ensures future visitors leave with stories of wonder, not disappointment.