Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed that the tiger involved in a fatal attack on a man will not be euthanised. The man died after scaling the fence into the Land of the Tigers enclosure at the Doncaster zoo on Saturday.
Park issues update on tiger's condition
In a statement posted on social media, the park 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."
Police confirm man's death
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "At 1.35pm [on Saturday] 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."
Witness accounts and response
Emergency services arrived at the scene before a "black screen" was subsequently erected around the enclosure. An insider said: "Shots were fired into the air to make a noise and distract the tiger. The animal wasn't shot and is absolutely fine and not injured."
"The barriers are huge. You would have to really want to get inside the enclosure to be able to do it. From start to end the incident was over within minutes. The keepers did everything they could. It's horrific."
Visitor Tia Hanson said: "It looks as if someone has jumped into the enclosure. There were loads of police and ambulance people and a stretcher in the enclosure as well. It wasn't nice - there were lots of people who looked really upset. They put up all sorts of black tarpaulin so you couldn't really see."
Posting a statement online, another person revealed she had observed the victim's behaviour just minutes before he leapt into the Amur tigers' two-acre enclosure.
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."
A new video, which police have urged people not to share, appeared to show the man approach the bystanders and ask: "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?"
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were dispatched to the scene. Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its doors in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction following in 2011. The attraction is set within a purpose-built two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with approximately 500 remaining in the wild.
