Trolls have been condemned for mocking a man killed in a tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The attraction near Doncaster remains closed as authorities investigate Saturday's tragedy, when a visitor died after entering an enclosure housing a rare Amur tiger named Altai.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the man wearing headphones and pacing nearby before climbing over the walkway. As police support the man's grieving family, a wave of online abuse, dark jokes and graphic videos of the attack flooded social media, prompting widespread criticism.
Politician's response
Yorkshire politician Tanisha Bramwell issued a scathing response to online commentators. "Since news broke of the young man's death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I have read comments that have left me deeply saddened," Cllr Bramwell wrote on X.
"Before the full facts were known, people were already passing judgement. Even after his death was announced, some were saying that he deserved what happened."
She added: "He did not deserve to die. This was someone's baby. Someone's son, loved by his family, who should have come home."
Compassion urged
Cllr Bramwell stressed that showing sympathy for the man does not mean blaming the sanctuary or the animal. "I do not blame the tiger. It was acting on instinct, and I am relieved that it is safe and unharmed," she said.
"We can recognise the work of the park, understand that the tiger was acting naturally and still show compassion for the young man who lost his life. Those things are not mutually exclusive. Compassion costs nothing."
Journalist Owen Jones also hit out at the toxic online reaction during an appearance on Channel 5's Jeremy Vine show. "People need to be called out because of the number of people sharing the last moments of a man being killed on camera," Jones said.
He added: "People are now exposed all the time to basically online snuff movies of this sort. We're just descending into the Middle Ages, aren't we really. I kept seeing comments online joking about it. It's just awful, an absolute sewer."
Police and park response
South Yorkshire Police urged the public not to share graphic clips circulating online, confirming officers are supporting the family. Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that Altai will not be euthanised. The park remains closed today, with bosses promising to contact ticket holders within five days to reschedule visits.
