A man who was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday had been seen "dancing happily with AirPods in" just 20 minutes before he entered the Amur tiger enclosure, according to a witness. The attack took place on Saturday afternoon, 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 observed the victim's behaviour shortly before he climbed down a fence and entered the two-acre enclosure. She described the man as "obviously" not with anyone and said he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background.
"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," the witness said. "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 of a man entering a tiger enclosure at the park. The tiger attacked the man, causing serious injury. Emergency services attended, but 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," a police spokesman said. "The animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public."
Following the incident, the park was evacuated and officers remained on scene carrying out enquiries. Police also noted that videos were circulating online and encouraged people not to share the footage.
Park closed until Sunday
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that a serious incident had occurred at the tiger enclosure and said its emergency response procedures were immediately activated. The park said it was working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
"The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority," the park said. "The park is now closed and will remain closed on Sunday, October 11."
