Witnesses have described the final moments of a man who was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, saying he appeared to bow down and pray to the animal before the attack. The victim entered the enclosure on Saturday, October 10, and was killed by one of the tigers.
Footage circulating on Facebook shows a man sitting beside a tiger while being attacked and clawed in disturbing scenes, as he seemingly tried to communicate with the creature. Anthony Hunt, 22, a university graduate, and Scarlet Hogan, 21, a pharmacy worker, were enjoying a day out when the tragedy unfolded.
Witnesses describe the attack
Ms Hogan revealed that the man appeared to take selfies before 'getting on the floor and starting to pray' after entering the pen. Hunt said: "It looked like a performance. He got down where everyone could see him in the main viewing area. He was on all fours, praying and bowing down to the tiger. It was like he was waiting for the tiger."
Hunt described how the man gestured towards the tiger in his final moments, saying: "He had his arms wide open like he was saying: 'Come here, tiger. Kill me.' Then the tiger came and started to attack him." He added: "He started to fight back and screamed. It was like he was just detached from reality. The last thing we saw was the tiger on his neck."
Mr Hunt said: "I have never frozen before in my life, but I just froze."
Emergency response and police statement
The emergency services were called to the scene at 1.35pm on Saturday, with an air ambulance alongside two ambulances attending. The park was closed all weekend following the horrific incident.
South Yorkshire Police released a statement on Saturday evening. It 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 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."
Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. Police also noted they are aware of videos circulating online and encouraged people not to share the footage.
