South Yorkshire Police has provided an update on its investigation into the death of a man following an incident with a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, 10 October. The force confirmed on Monday, 12 October, that the unnamed victim was not thought to have been with anyone when he jumped into the animal's enclosure.
"It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody," a spokesman said. The Press Association (PA) understands that South Yorkshire Police will not be naming the man at the request of his family.
Health and safety investigation launched
The update follows an announcement by the City of Doncaster Council that it has launched a health and safety investigation into the facility following the man's death.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster 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."
"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," Mr Swaine added. "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."
Park remains closed
Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm on 10 October when the man entered the enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In an earlier statement posted on social media, the wildlife park said "many, many people" had been in touch about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and confirmed he is "safe and well" and will not be put down. It added that staff members were "deeply affected" by what happened and are receiving specialist support.
Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, told PA: "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 by the tragic incident".
Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed on Monday as investigations continue. The park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.
The incident took place months after a three-year-old boy was seriously injured in a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
