A man has died after being attacked by a Siberian tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm yesterday following reports that a man had entered the tiger enclosure. The man was seriously injured after being pinned to the ground by the animal, which was not harmed in the incident.
The park was evacuated quickly after the attack, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Witness accounts and footage
A witness told the Mail on Sunday that the victim was holding a mobile phone and wearing earpods, and appeared to 'psych himself up' with a dance before climbing over the fence. Another visitor said the victim, thought to be in his 20s, seemed 'agitated' and was 'grabbed by the throat' within seconds of entering the enclosure. Witnesses claim he could be heard crying 'no, no' during the attack.
Footage of the attack circulated on social media, with a woman's voice heard saying: 'I tried to stop him.' South Yorkshire Police said it was aware of the footage and asked people not to share it.
Police and ambulance response
In a statement, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: 'At 1.35pm today (Saturday October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury. Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time. Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.'
Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed two ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
Park remains closed
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011. The attraction is on a purpose-built two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild. Visitors can view the animals from a high walkway with fencing above the section where tigers roam freely.
The park released a statement saying: 'The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.' Tickets remain on sale for entry from Monday onwards.
