Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire wildlife park
A visitor who entered a tiger enclosure at a Yorkshire wildlife park was pronounced dead at the scene, while the animal was unharmed.
A man entered the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park around 1:35 p.m. on Saturday and was later pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said. Visitors were evacuated and air ambulances were dispatched as emergency services responded.
Witnesses reported that shots were fired into the air to distract the tiger and allow responders to enter the enclosure. One witness told The Mirror, "> Shots were fired into the air to make a noise and distract the tiger. The animal wasn't shot and is absolutely fine and not injured."
Another witness described the man as listening to music through AirPods, dancing on a bridge, and asking a stranger to take a photo with the tiger in the background. The witness said, "> 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."
Police confirmed that the tiger was unharmed and that there is no ongoing risk to the public. The force urged people not to share graphic footage circulating on social media and said the investigation remains ongoing.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park released a statement confirming that emergency response procedures were activated, that the park is temporarily closed, and that the safety of visitors, staff and animals remains a priority.