Yorkshire Wildlife Park has issued a statement following the death of a man who entered its tiger enclosure on Saturday (October 10). The man was pronounced dead at the scene in the afternoon, police said.
Man entered enclosure at 1.35pm
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the tiger attacked the man after he entered the enclosure at around 1.35pm. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing the man jump into the enclosure before he was grabbed by one of the cats.
Police also confirmed that the tiger survived the incident and remains in the enclosure. They added there is no wider risk to the public.
Park closes early and issues statement
Yorkshire Wildlife Park closed early on Saturday afternoon, with police and paramedics present at the scene. In a statement issued in the evening, the park said they are 'deeply saddened' by the 'tragic incident' and that their thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.
The statement said: "We are deeply saddened by today's tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life. We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time. The Park will remain closed tomorrow."
Police urge public not to share footage
Police confirmed the man died at the scene and encouraged the public not to share videos circulating online of the attack. In a statement, they 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. Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries.
