Two paragliders experienced a heart-stopping moment of sheer luck this week, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal landing inside a polar bear enclosure at a popular Staffordshire wildlife park.
A Terrifying Descent Towards Predators
The alarming incident unfolded on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Peak Wildlife Park in Staffordshire. Eyewitnesses and park staff watched in horror as the two individuals, gliding through the air, began descending directly towards the habitat housing polar bears Nanook and Nori.
Reacting with urgency to the imminent danger, park personnel immediately initiated emergency protocols. Understanding the grave risk, staff members prepared non-lethal firearms as a precautionary measure, ready to intervene should the paragliders land within the predators' reach.
A Last-Moment Escape Captured on Film
In a dramatic turn of events captured on video, the airborne duo managed to execute a crucial manoeuvre at the very last second. Footage from the scene clearly shows the paragliders altering their trajectory, steering away from the enclosure's perimeter at the final moment.
Their revised landing spot was just inches to the right side of the polar bear pen, a margin so slim it underscores the extreme peril of the situation. The successful diversion prevented what could have been a direct encounter with two of the world's most powerful land carnivores.
Park Director Warns of 'Tragic Outcome'
James Butler, the park's director, later emphasised the severe danger that was averted. He issued a stark reminder about the nature of the animals involved, stating unequivocally that polar bears are highly dangerous predators.
Butler warned that the situation had the potential for a tragic outcome, noting that any entry into the enclosure would have triggered an immediate and dangerous response from the bears, leaving little room for a safe rescue. The incident has prompted a review of safety measures and communications with local airspace users to prevent any repeat occurrence.
