The tiger that fatally mauled a man at Yorkshire Wildlife Park had been described by zoo staff as "very calm" but growing more "brave" since arriving in the UK. Altai the Amur tiger was moved from a zoo in Norway to Yorkshire Wildlife Park in February 2025, with the zoo's Director of Animals labelling him as "a beautiful, huge cat" and "very receptive."
Staff described tiger as calm but growing braver
According to a blog post on the Yorkshire Wildlife Park website, Altai was initially "calm and quiet" following his arrival 18 months ago, with the then 3-year-old big cat apparently "not in a hurry to come straight out his crate" and had to be "tempted out with a piece of meat."
Writing a few weeks after the move, Dr Charlotte MacDonald said: "We are delighted with Altai. He is a beautiful, huge cat and very calm and receptive, his keepers at Dyreparken have clearly done a great job with him. It will take him a while to settle in at the Park as it is a big change for him."
According to MacDonald, the big cat was given "plenty of time and space" before being introduced into the main enclosure, allowing his confidence to "gradually build" to being "brave enough to take his first steps out into one of the main reserves."
Previous handlers echoed calm description
Altai, who was only three years old at the time of the move, was described in similar terms by his previous handlers at Dyreparken zoo in Norway. Dyreparken tiger keeper Even Grønnerø said: "Altai is a nice and calm tiger. He loves his training, eating and especially enjoys playing in the water outside."
Now five years old, Altai was involved in a savage mauling after a man entered his enclosure on Saturday. Eyewitness reports described how the victim was wearing headphones and began "pacing around" near Altai's enclosure before managing to gain entry. Harrowing video of the incident appeared to show the victim gesturing at Altai and getting down on all fours as he was attacked.
Park remains closed after incident
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been closed since the incident, and bosses issued an update this morning (October 12). A park spokesperson said: "Due to the events over the weekend, the park will remain closed today. Thank you for your understanding."
South Yorkshire Police have commented on the incident, saying that their thoughts are with the family of the victim "at this distressing time."
