Witnesses to the fatal tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have claimed the victim tried to communicate with the animal using sign language during the incident. Some witnesses have suggested the man was "obviously autistic and deaf."
The man was killed by one of the tigers after climbing into the enclosure on Saturday, October 10. Footage circulating online shows the young man being thrown around by the 30-stone animal as eyewitnesses "freeze" and do not know what to do. Police have asked people not to share the video.
Sign language claims
In the video, the man is seen desperately signing something to the tiger. While some have suggested he was pointing at the animal with his index finger to scold it by saying "no!", others have speculated that he was actually pointing with his little finger. In Makaton sign language, this means "bad!".
This has led some to believe the man may have had some kind of special needs, despite witnesses suggesting he was there alone without any carers.
Final moments described
Eyewitnesses described the man's final moments, as he appeared to "bow down" to the beast. He was supposedly seen "dancing" to "hype" himself up before entering the site. Anthony Hunt, 22, a university graduate, and Scarlet Hogan, 21, a pharmacy worker, were enjoying a day out when the tragedy unfolded.
Ms Hogan revealed the man appeared to take selfies before "getting on the floor and starting to pray" after entering the pen. Hunt said: "It looked like a performance. He got down where everyone could see him in the main viewing area. He was on all fours, praying and bowing down to the tiger. It was like he was waiting for the tiger."
Emergency response
Hunt described how the man gestured towards the tiger in his final moments, saying: "He had his arms wide open like he was saying: 'Come here, tiger. Kill me.' Then the tiger came and started to attack him." He added: "He started to fight back and screamed. It was like he was just detached from reality. The last thing we saw was the tiger on his neck."
The emergency services were called to the scene at 1.35pm on Saturday, with an air ambulance alongside two ambulances attending. The park was closed all weekend following the incident.
South Yorkshire Police released a statement on Saturday evening. It said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) 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."
The statement continued: "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. Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."
