Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed it will not open on Sunday, October 11, following the death of a man inside its tiger enclosure on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were contacted after the man entered the enclosure and was attacked by the tiger shortly after 1.30pm.
Man pronounced dead at the scene
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, and his family have since been informed, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said. Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger in an enclosure at the park.
The tiger was uninjured and has remained in the enclosure since the incident, while the Wildlife Park was subsequently evacuated, the force said.
Park statement on closure
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said in a statement posted on its website that it will remain closed on Sunday following the incident. It said: "We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure.
"Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene.
"We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
"The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.
"The park is now closed and will remain closed on Sunday 11th October."
Police confirm details
A police spokesperson 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."
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson also confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
Background on the attraction
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the "Land of the Tigers" attraction opening in 2011. The attraction is on a purpose-built two-acre reserve for endangered Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Photos of the enclosure on the park's website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam. SYP have said they are aware of the footage online and have asked people not to share it.
