Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed it will remain closed today, Monday October 12, after a man was fatally attacked by a tiger when he entered the enclosure on Saturday afternoon. The park was initially expected to reopen today.
Incident and emergency response
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 9 when the man entered the enclosure and was set upon by the tiger. South Yorkshire Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene and that his family had been informed.
In a statement released on its website this morning, the park said: "We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred on Saturday at the tiger enclosure. Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene. The park will be closed today whilst we are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority."
Police and ambulance statements
The park was evacuated soon after the incident and remained closed on Sunday. Videos circulating online appeared to show a man being pawed at and grappled by the tiger, called Altai, in the enclosure.
A police spokesperson said on Saturday: "At 1.35pm, 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."
Park reassures over tiger and staff support
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene. In a statement shared over the weekend, the park confirmed the fate of the tiger: "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."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park also thanked the public for expressing concern following the incident and sent "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life. Staff at the attraction who were deeply affected by events are receiving specialist support.
