A man was mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday, with video footage appearing to capture the last known recording of the victim asking a couple to photograph him with the tiger.
Last known recording
Video footage appears to capture the moment a man requests bystanders to photograph him alongside the tiger in what may be the final known recording of the victim. Within it, the man approaches a couple and enquires, "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?"
The footage focuses on the tiger within the enclosure, and the man's identity remains unseen. A woman consents to assist, before he can be heard requesting "one more". He expresses gratitude for her assistance before the footage ends. It is thought to be the final known recording of him.
Incident and response
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday when the man entered the enclosure and was attacked by the tiger. He was declared dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) confirmed, adding his relatives had been notified.
Additional videos circulating online appear to depict a man being struck and seized by a tiger within an enclosure at the park, near Doncaster. Authorities have requested these not be distributed.
The tiger sustained no injuries and stayed within the enclosure following the incident. The park was cleared soon after the incident and it was subsequently announced that the attraction would remain shut on Sunday.
Official statements
A police spokesman stated: "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."
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were deployed to the scene.
Park background and closure
Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its doors in 2009, followed by the Land of the Tigers attraction in 2011. The exhibit features a specially constructed two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with approximately 500 remaining in their natural habitat.
Images of the enclosure on the park's website display an elevated walkway for guests and protective barriers above the area where the tigers are housed.
Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park issued a statement: "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 continue to be available for admission to the park from Monday onwards."
