A man has died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday, October 10. Emergency services were called to the park at around 1.30pm following reports of a man entering the enclosure.
Police confirmed that the tiger attacked the man after he entered the enclosure, and he was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of medical personnel. The man's family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.
Police statement and public safety
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police 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 statement added: "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."
Park evacuation and witness accounts
Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and closed early. Police and paramedics remained on scene carrying out enquiries. Witnesses reported seeing the man jump into the enclosure before being grabbed by one of the cats, and some said they heard "five shots" of what some believed were gas canisters into the cage.
Police have asked the public not to share videos of the incident circulating online, describing the scenes as "distressing."
Emergency response and park closure
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it was called at 13.33 on Saturday and sent two land ambulances, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and a doctor to the scene.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Resort confirmed a "serious incident" had occurred at the tiger enclosure and said the park would remain closed on Sunday, October 11. The statement said: "Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene. We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority."
