A man has died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday afternoon, with witnesses describing his final moments before the fatal incident.
The man had been "dancing happily with AirPods in" before scaling down a fence, seemingly "wanting to play" with the endangered big cat, according to eyewitnesses. One visitor said she had witnessed the victim's behaviour just 20 minutes before he jumped into the Amur tigers' two-acre enclosure.
Eyewitness account
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."
Police statement
In an updated statement issued on Saturday evening, 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."
The animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident, and there is no wider risk to the public.
Park response and closure
Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. The park 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, 11 October.
