City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation after a man died following a tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on 10 October. The park remained closed on Monday as inquiries continued into the death of the visitor, who was mauled after gaining access to the predator's habitat on Saturday.
Council confirms statutory investigation
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."
He 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."
Community reaction and concerns
Mr Swaine continued: "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."
Earlier on Monday, a resident living near the park expressed worries regarding suggestions that the victim may have had additional needs, and that the public "seemed to care more about the tiger". Angela Seivewright, who visited the park entrance to leave flowers, said she had previously noticed adults with special needs at the park accompanied by carers who appeared to be "a bit distracted".
Ms Seivewright said: "I believe that the person who was killed had additional needs. And, when I looked at social media over the weekend, when I said I hoped the person was OK, I got really bullied a lot – saying that he deserved to die. I have a special needs child and I think he was doing sign language to the tiger. So, it just felt it was really unfair that people were almost wishing him to die as opposed to not wanting anybody to be hurt."
Park remains closed as investigations continue
Ms Seivewright, who holds a season ticket to the park, added: "I don't know if I would support them again. I just don't know if they took every opportunity to save him, his life, as opposed to maybe doing something to the tiger. I think it's a bit of an indictment on the community in terms that people seem to care more about the tiger. It just feels a bit sad that his death is not mourned more."
The Press Association understands that South Yorkshire Police will not disclose the man's identity, respecting his family's wishes. Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward encompassing the wildlife 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, representing an adjacent ward, remarked: "We don't know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded." He described being "really shocked about the tragic incident".
Emergency services received the call shortly after 1.30pm on 10 October when the man accessed the enclosure. South Yorkshire Police confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene, with his family subsequently informed.
In a previous social media post, the wildlife park acknowledged that "many, many people" had asked about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, confirming he is "safe and well" and will not be put down. The park also revealed that its staff members were "deeply affected" by the incident and are currently receiving specialist support.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show a man being grabbed and mauled by Altai inside the tiger enclosure. In separate clips, a voice believed to belong to the man can be heard asking onlookers to photograph him alongside the tiger, moments before the incident unfolded.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its gates to visitors in 2009, with its Land of the Tigers exhibit following two years later in 2011.
