Man seriously injured after tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A visitor was badly hurt when a tiger entered its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, prompting an evacuation and closure of the park for the weekend.
South Yorkshire Police were dispatched at 13:35 BST after receiving reports that a man had entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. The park said its emergency response procedures were activated immediately and that it is cooperating with authorities to determine the circumstances of the incident. The park will remain closed for the rest of the weekend.
Police confirmed the tiger attacked the man, causing serious injuries, but the animal stayed within its enclosure, eliminating any broader public safety threat. Officers evacuated the site and continue to investigate.
"The tiger remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public," the police statement said.
Visitors were instructed to leave the premises. Karmelle Pelham, 39, from Worksop, described being guided out of a lemur area while hearing what sounded like gunshots and seeing a helicopter overhead. She said the evacuation was orderly and did not cause panic.
Police have asked the public not to share graphic footage of the event. The park reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of visitors, staff and animals remain its highest priority.