Police have confirmed that the tiger involved in a fatal attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on October 10 survived the incident and remains in its enclosure. The man who entered the enclosure was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities have stated there is no wider risk to the public.
Incident details
Emergency services were called to Yorkshire Wildlife Park at around 1.30pm following reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure. The man was pronounced dead at the scene after being attacked by the big cat. South Yorkshire Police received the report at 1.35pm.
Witnesses at the park said they saw the man jump into the enclosure before he was grabbed by one of the cats. Some reported hearing what they believed to be five shots, possibly from gas canisters, fired into the cage after the attack.
Police statement
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement confirming the tiger was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident. The statement read: "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."
Park response and closure
Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated, and officers remained on scene carrying out enquiries. Police also noted that videos of the incident were circulating online and encouraged people not to share the footage.
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called at 13.33 on Saturday 10 October 2026 to an incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. We sent a number of resources, including two land ambulances, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Resort confirmed that a serious incident had occurred at the tiger enclosure and that the park was closed. The park will remain closed on Sunday 11th October. The park's statement said: "Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene."
