Man fatally attacked after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A man entered an Amur tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster and was killed; the park remains closed while authorities investigate.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was closed on Saturday after a man entered an Amur tiger enclosure and was fatally attacked. Emergency services responded at about 13:30 BST following reports of a person climbing down from a visitor walkway into the enclosure.
An eyewitness said the man was wearing headphones and was seen pacing near the enclosure before climbing onto the barriers and crawling in front of the tiger. The tiger, named Altai, seized the man, who shouted for help. Approximately 15 to 20 visitors were on the raised walkway at the time; staff evacuated the area and secured the enclosure.
Police confirmed the man died at the scene and that his family is receiving support. The park’s spokesperson said Altai remains in the enclosure and will not be euthanised, and that staff affected by the incident will receive specialist assistance.
South Yorkshire Police urged the public not to share circulating videos of the incident. The park’s emergency response procedures were activated immediately, and officials are working with authorities to determine the circumstances of the attack.
Local officials expressed condolences to the victim’s family and thanked emergency responders and park staff for their handling of the situation.