Investigations are continuing into the death of a man who was mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday, October 10. It is believed the man was using sign language to try to communicate with the tiger.
Police were called to the park at around 1.35pm on Saturday after reports that a man had entered the tiger enclosure. The man suffered fatal injuries after being attacked by one of the tigers and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police statement and evacuation
In an updated statement on Saturday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesman 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. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."
Witness accounts and video footage
A video circulating on Facebook shows a man sitting next to a tiger at the park while being bitten and clawed at, as he appears to attempt to communicate with the animal. Making a fist and extending the little finger is the Makaton sign for "bad". This sign language is often taught to people with communication difficulties or learning disabilities.
Before the attack, he was seen with headphones in, dancing and asking people to take photos of him with the tiger. After he entered the enclosure, eyewitnesses attempted to distract the animal, while he was seen telling the tiger off with his little finger. Video footage showed the man appearing to ask bystanders for a photograph of him next to the tiger. In the clip, the man approaches a couple and asks, "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?".
The man was seen pointing at the tiger shouting "stop" while witnesses shouted to distract the tiger. Zoo keepers then made use of acoustic guns firing loud blasts to try to scare the animal away. Eyewitnesses said the man was "grabbed by the throat" by the tiger as people continued to attempt to distract the animal.
Park closure and tiger's welfare
Two land ambulances, an air ambulance, and a doctor were all dispatched to the scene on Saturday afternoon, but the man sadly died. Yorkshire Wildlife Park closed for the weekend and black screens were erected following the incident. The park has confirmed the tiger, named Altai, which was involved in the incident will not be euthanised.
A statement was released by Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Sunday. It said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Visitor experiences and refunds
One visitor, who spoke to Yorkshire Live, described the scenes on Saturday as "frightening and confusing" while being evacuated from the wildlife park. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she was eating lunch with her family when they were told to evacuate the park. She said: "At first, we were all scared and confused because we had no idea what was going on. Different routes had been closed off, and staff were positioned around the park directing visitors where to go.
"The scariest part was not knowing what was happening. As we walked past the police near the tiger enclosure, we saw officers surrounding a young man in the tiger enclosure. We heard other people say he was 22, although I can't confirm his age.
"We also saw a white zip-up bag nearby, but we don't know what it contained. We saw an air ambulance outside the park, although, from what we observed, it didn't take anyone away. Everyone seemed frightened and confused.
"You could see that people were trying to work out what was happening, but nobody really knew. Not knowing whether you or anyone else was safe made the whole situation even more frightening. We were also told that visitors would be receiving refunds."
Another eyewitness said: "20 minutes before today's tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat in 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. Tragic for the family. Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock. Thankfully the tiger survived."
