Witnesses at Yorkshire Wildlife Park have described the moment a man was fatally mauled by a tiger. Emergency services were called to the park near Doncaster shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday after the man entered the enclosure and was attacked by the big cat, named Altai.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said, adding that his family had been informed. Footage circulating on social media appears to show the attack within the enclosure.
Park confirms tiger will not be euthanised
In a statement on Sunday, Yorkshire Wildlife Park said the tiger would not be euthanised. The park said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life. The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Witness accounts of the attack
It has since emerged that the victim shouted one word five times as the big cat lunged at him in front of horrified families with young children, reports the Express. Disturbing footage captures the man crying out: "Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!"
One shaken visitor recalled that "you could see blood". Video recorded by a bystander shows the man seated on the grass in front of the big cat, apparently pointing his finger and kicking out in an attempt to keep the animal at a distance. One visitor was heard shouting "Hey!" in a desperate attempt to distract the tiger. Seconds later, rangers fired two warning shots in an attempt to frighten the tiger. Tragically, it was too late.
The tiger, named Altai, who arrived at the tourist attraction last February, subsequently retreated to his pen and was swiftly secured. The victim has yet to be identified, and the circumstances surrounding his entry into the enclosure remain unclear.
Further reports claim the man was using sign language to communicate with the tiger. YorkshireLive reports eyewitnesses said he attempted to distract the animal while telling the tiger off with his little finger. One witness said the man was making a fist and extending the little finger; the Makaton sign for "bad". This sign language is often taught to people with communication difficulties or learning disabilities.
Victim's behaviour before the incident
One visitor revealed she had observed the victim's behaviour just 20 minutes before he leapt into the Amur tigers' two-acre enclosure. She said: "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. 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."
In what is believed to be the final known recording of the victim before he entered the enclosure, he asks bystanders to photograph him. In the clip, the man approaches a couple and asks, "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?". The camera remains focused on the tiger, and the man's face is not visible. A woman agrees to assist, before he can be heard requesting "one more". He thanks her before the recording ends.
Police statement
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday October 10) 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."
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene. Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction following in 2011. The attraction is set within a purpose-built two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with approximately 500 remaining in the wild. Images of the enclosure on the park's website reveal an elevated walkway for visitors and fencing above the area where the tigers are free to roam. Tickets are still available for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
