A licensed zookeeper has revealed why an Amur tiger fatally attacked a man who entered its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon (October 12). The man died after jumping directly into the "Land of the Tigers" attraction.
Reece Oliver, a private animal conservationist and licensed zookeeper, told Sky News that the tiger, named Altai, would typically only expect "enrichment toys or food" to enter the two-acre enclosure. He said: "The only thing that goes into that enclosure normally would be sort of enrichment toys or food so I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was, and unfortunately it ended up being a fatal attack."
Tiger's instincts and the attack
Oliver added: "It's hard to say without seeing the evidence what actually happened, but tigers are solitary animals and an apex predator. The guy had gone into the tiger's world, and tigers don't live by our rules because at the end of the day they're a tiger."
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 1.30pm after witnesses saw a man climb down and jump into the enclosure. A woman reportedly tried to pull him back, but he managed to enter before being attacked.
Safety measures and police response
When asked if the attack might lead to wildlife parks reconsidering safety measures, Oliver said: "The zoo standards are out there and they are very safe. You can only build so much to stop people. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is an amazing facility, it's one of the best in the UK." He noted that fences meet standards and stand-off barriers prevent the public from touching them, adding: "It's like an airport. How do you stop somebody climbing into an airport? There is fences around an airport but someone could still cut the fence or go in. It's very difficult to eliminate every situation because, at the end of the day, a human can gain access."
South Yorkshire Police said: "We were called at 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) to reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park at Branton, Doncaster. The tiger subsequently attacked the man and this has resulted in serious injury. Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene."
Aftermath and reopening
It has been confirmed that Altai was unharmed during the attack and will not be euthanised. Police added: "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."
The park was shut for the weekend as police carried out enquiries and is expected to reopen on Monday (October 12). Police also said: "Our thoughts are with [the family] at this distressing time. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."
