A man was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday afternoon, after witnesses said he had been "dancing happily with AirPods in" before climbing into the enclosure, seemingly "wanting to play" with the endangered big cat.
The incident took place at the Amur tigers' two-acre enclosure, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of medical personnel.
Witness describes victim's final moments
One visitor said she had watched the victim's actions just 20 minutes before he jumped into the enclosure. She described seeing the man on a bridge with his AirPods in, dancing and enjoying watching the tiger, which was sitting in the sunshine.
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."
Police statement and park response
South Yorkshire Police said they received reports at 1.35pm on Saturday, October 10, of a man entering a tiger enclosure. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury. Emergency services attended, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A police spokesman said: "The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time." The animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.
The park was evacuated following the incident, and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. Police also noted that videos of the incident are circulating online and encouraged people not to share this footage.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said: "We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure. Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene." The park said it is working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened, adding that the safety and wellbeing of visitors, staff and animals remains its highest priority.
The park is now closed and will remain closed on Sunday, October 11.
