Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed today (October 12) after a man was killed in a tiger pen over the weekend. Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 9, when the man was attacked by a tiger. He was pronounced dead at the scene in Doncaster, according to South Yorkshire Police, adding that his family were informed.
Park remains closed as investigations continue
In a statement, the wildlife park said it will remain closed for the whole of Monday as investigations continue into the death of a man who was attacked by a tiger when he entered its enclosure on Saturday. In a previous statement, the park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.
It added that members of park staff were “deeply affected” by the incident and received specialist support. The park was evacuated soon after the incident and remained closed on Sunday.
Videos show incident at the enclosure
Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park. Another appears to have the voice of the as-yet-unidentified man asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger, before the incident took place.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011. The attraction is a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Police confirm no wider risk to public
A police spokesperson said on Saturday: “At 1.35pm, 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 said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene. 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. South Yorkshire Police said it is aware of the footage of the attack online and asked people not to share it.
