A man mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park shouted "stop" five times in a desperate attempt to halt the attack. Emergency services were called to the park near Doncaster shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday after the man entered the tiger enclosure and was set upon by the big cat, named Altai.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said, adding that his family had been informed. Videos circulating online appear to show the man being pawed at and grappled by the tiger in front of terrified families with children.
Chilling footage captures final moments
Footage captures the man shouting: "Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!" He was also heard yelling: "No, no, no!" One visitor at the wildlife park said "you could see blood" and the tiger "dragging the man" by the neck.
Video footage captured by one person shows the man sitting on the grass directly in front of the big cat, seemingly pointing his finger and kicking out to keep the animal at bay. One visitor was heard shouting: "Hey!" in a desperate bid to distract the tiger, but it clamped its mouth around the victim's neck and dragged him away.
Rangers fire warning shots
Seconds later, rangers at the zoo fired two warning shots in an attempt to spook the tiger. Altai, who arrived at the tourist attraction last February, then retreated to his pen and was quickly secured.
The victim has not yet been identified and the reason for him entering the tiger enclosure remains unknown. The park was evacuated soon after the incident and it was later announced that the attraction would remain closed on Sunday.
Police statement and response
A South Yorkshire 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."
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
Park closure and background
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011. The attraction is on a purpose-built two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Photos of the enclosure on the park’s website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam. Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s statement on Saturday after the incident said: "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 remain on sale for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
