A man who was mauled to death after climbing into a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday appeared "so happy" moments before the attack, according to a witness. Police have said the visitor was not thought to have been accompanied when he was attacked. The park remains closed for a fourth day today (Tuesday), with floral tributes left at the entrance.
Witness describes final moments
Del Taylor, who was one of the last people to interact with the man before his death, shared an update on her TikTok, fighting back tears as she addressed online speculation about the victim. She said: "He was so happy and then he's come and placed himself next to us and he passed me his phone and he asked me for a photo."
Another visitor, Anthony Hunt, who was taking pictures of the tiger with his girlfriend Scarlet, told Sky News: "We noticed the tiger's behaviour change. Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he's getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos - we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure." He described the man as having "bowed down, on all fours, started praying, and looking up at the sky".
Park closure and investigation
A spokesperson confirmed the park will stay shut for a fourth day following the incident. City of Doncaster Council, the park's licensing authority, has launched a health and safety investigation. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the 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 deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved."
The Health and Safety Executive earlier said it would not investigate, confirming the council would lead the probe. Police have urged the public not to share "distressing" videos of the incident circulating online. Doncaster's deputy civic mayor, Councillor Nick Allen, said "the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded". The victim will not be named by police at the request of his family.
Tiger's fate and expert views
The park confirmed that Altai, the Amur tiger involved, is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised. Altai was born at Dyreparken in Kristiansand, Norway, in 2021 and moved to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in February 2025 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme. Dyreparken biologist Helene Axelsen said: "We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend."
Will Travers, executive president of the Born Free Foundation, told the Express that safety measures needed to focus not only on keeping animals inside enclosures but also on preventing visitors from getting in. Dr Campbell Murn, a lecturer at the University of Reading and former member of the Government's advisory body on zoos, described the incident as "extremely rare", adding: "No barrier can be made completely impossible to get past, but incidents like this are extremely rare in UK zoos." The park has said staff are "deeply affected" and receiving specialist support. It is not yet clear when the park will reopen.
