Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed that Altai, the Siberian tiger involved in the fatal attack on a man in his 20s, is safe and will not be euthanised. The park in Doncaster remains closed following the incident on October 10.
In a statement, 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."
Staff support and park closure
The park added that it will remain closed while staff affected by the events receive specialist support. "Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger," the statement continued. "We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 1.30pm on October 10 following reports of an attack. The man was seriously injured after being pinned to the ground by the tiger, which was not injured. The park was evacuated quickly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness accounts and footage
Footage shared on social media appears to show the moments before the attack. In one video, a man asks another visitor: "Excuse me, can you grab a shot of myself with the tiger?" The woman agrees, and the man later asks for "one more" picture three times before saying: "Thank you, lady."
A witness told the Mail on Sunday that the victim was seen dancing to "psych himself up" while holding a mobile phone and wearing earpods, before climbing over the fence. Another visitor said the victim appeared "agitated" and was "grabbed by the throat" within seconds of entering the enclosure. Witnesses claim he could be heard crying "no, no" during the attack.
