South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it does not believe anyone else was accompanying the man who died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday. The victim has not been named.
A police spokesman said on Monday: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody." The park remained closed for a second day following the incident.
Council launches investigation
The City of Doncaster Council has also launched a health and safety investigation into the man's death. Dan Swaine, executive director of Place at the council, 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."
Swaine confirmed the council, as the relevant licensing authority for the park, has started the investigation in line with its statutory duties. He added that the council is working with multiple agencies, including police and health agencies, and is supporting the park in response to the incident. He said: "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."
Park staff supported
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 when the man entered the enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his family have been informed.
The wildlife park previously said "many, many people" had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and confirmed the animal is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised. Park staff are said to be "deeply affected" and receiving specialist support.
Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the park, said: "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, said he had been "really shocked about the tragic incident" and added: "We don't know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded."
