Man killed by tiger after entering enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

A man has died after entering a tiger enclosure and being attacked at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, police have said.

South Yorkshire Police said it received reports at 1.35pm on Saturday 10 October of a man entering the enclosure.

"The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury," a police spokesperson said. "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."

Park evacuated

Yorkshire Ambulance Service said two ambulances, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended. The park was evacuated, and black screens were put up around the enclosure.

A visitor, Tia Hanson, said the walkway between the tiger enclosure and the exit was closed at around 2pm. "There was an air ambulance and police everywhere. We've all been made to leave," she said. "There were lots of people who looked really upset."

Some witnesses described a man appearing agitated before going into the enclosure.

The tiger

Responding to rumours about the animal, police said: "The tiger was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public."

The park said: "We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure. Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated. We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow."

"Please do not share the footage"

Videos circulating online appear to show the attack. South Yorkshire Police said it was aware of the footage and asked people not to share it, out of respect for the man and his family.

About the park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, and its Land of the Tigers attraction opened in 2011. It is a purpose-built reserve of around two acres for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild. Visitors view the tigers from a raised walkway, with fencing separating them from the animals.

What happens next

Police are investigating the circumstances, and a coroner is expected to open an inquest. Zoos and wildlife parks in England are licensed by their local council under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, and must meet standards on the safe keeping of animals, including barriers designed to keep the public out of enclosures. Incidents in which members of the public enter enclosures holding dangerous animals are extremely rare.

Anyone affected by what they saw at the park can get support from their GP or from Samaritans, free at any time on 116 123.