A new video appears to capture a man's final question before he was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Emergency services were called to the Land of the Tigers enclosure following reports the man "scaled the fence" and was set upon by the animal at 1.30pm on Saturday, October 10.
Final moments captured on video
In what is believed to be the final known recording of the victim before he entered the enclosure, the man approached bystanders to photograph him. In the clip, the man approaches a couple and asks, "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?". The camera remains focused on the tiger within its enclosure, and the man's face is not visible. A woman agrees to assist, before he can be heard requesting "one more". He thanks her before the recording ends.
Disturbing footage circulated online which appeared to show the victim gesturing towards the tiger to stop. South Yorkshire Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of zookeepers who did "everything" to stop the attack, which took place in front of horrified families.
Zookeepers' response and witnesses' accounts
Brave zookeepers managed to scare the animal away by firing multiple gunshots into the air, causing it to retreat to a nearby shelter. It remained unharmed, reported the Mirror. An insider said: "Shots were fired into the air to make a noise and distract the tiger. The animal wasn't shot and is absolutely fine and not injured. The barriers are huge. You would have to really want to get inside the enclosure to be able to do it. From start to end the incident was over within minutes. The keepers did everything they could. It's horrific."
One visitor posted a statement online revealing she had observed the victim's behaviour just minutes before he leapt into the Amur tigers' enclosure. She said: "Twenty minutes before today's tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat enjoying the sunshine. The man who I saw on the bridge with his AirPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger. He obviously wasn't with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. Probably the last photo on his phone. I'm not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger."
Official statements and park closure
A police spokesperson said: "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."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park's statement following the incident read: "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 are still available for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
