A health and safety investigation has been launched by the City of Doncaster Council following the death of a man who was killed after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
The council, which is responsible for licensing the Doncaster wildlife park, said it has launched the investigation into the incident. The park remained closed on Monday, October 12, as police investigations continue into the death of the man, who was attacked when he entered the animal's enclosure on Saturday, October 10.
Council Statement
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”
Incident Details
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday when the man entered the enclosure and was set upon by the tiger. He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said, adding that his family have been informed. South Yorkshire Police will not be naming the man at the request of his family, the Press Association understands.
Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, told the Press Association: “I really feel for the staff, they’ve got protocols they have to go through.
“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could.”
Doncaster’s deputy civic mayor councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: “We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded.” He said he had been “really shocked about the tragic incident”.
Park Response
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised. It added that members of park staff were “deeply affected” by the incident and receiving specialist support.
Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park. In another, it appears the voice of the as-yet-unidentified man can be heard asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger before the incident took place.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.
