A man has died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster. Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday (October 10) when the man entered the Land of the Tigers attraction and was attacked by one of the animals. He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said, adding that his family had been informed.
Final moments captured on video
Disturbing footage circulating online appeared to capture the victim standing while gesturing towards a tiger. One visitor said she had observed the victim's behaviour just 20 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."
In what is believed to be the final known recording of the victim before he entered the enclosure, he asks bystanders to photograph him. In the clip, the man approaches a couple and asks, "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?". A woman agrees to assist, before he can be heard requesting "one more". He thanks her before the recording ends.
Park's description of the tigers
The tigers rank among the park's most popular attractions, with hundreds of visitors making 'Land of the Tigers' an essential stop during their visit. Centred along a 300 metre-long raised walkway, the attraction boasts the "best views" of these "magnificent big cats". Visitors can watch the tigers roam freely through woodland and grassland and splash about in their very own waterfall pool.
The park, which is dedicated to conservation, is home to Amur Tigers. Also known as Siberian Tigers, they are the largest big cats on the planet, yet their numbers have plummeted to as few as 20 to 30 individuals. International awareness campaigns and conservation programmes have since helped to restore their population to over 500 in the wild.
Adult males typically weigh between 160-190kg, while females range from 110-130kg. Female tigers reach sexual maturity at around three to four years of age and typically give birth to litters of two to three cubs.
Statements from police and park bosses
A 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."
Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the spokesperson added: "The animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public." A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were dispatched to the scene.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park's statement following the incident read: "The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow." Tickets are still available for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
Among the park's notable residents are a tigress named Tschuna, who arrived in 2013, and Altai, a three year old male Amur tiger who came from Dyreparken in Norway in February 2025. In March 2025, Director of Animals, Charlotte MacDonald said: "We hope that Tschuna will enjoy the new company and that in time they can contribute to global conservation efforts to protect this incredible species." She added: "We are delighted with Altai. He is a beautiful, huge cat and very calm and receptive, his keepers at Dyreparken have clearly done a great job with him." At the time, Altai was described as a "nice and calm tiger" who "loves his training, eating and especially enjoys playing in the water outside". The identity of the tiger involved in the attack has not yet been confirmed.
