Police confirm man who entered tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has died
A man has died after suffering serious injuries in a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, South Yorkshire Police said.
Emergency services had been contacted after the man entered the enclosure, with reports saying he was “attacked” by a tiger shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday (10 October).
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
"The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.
Advert
"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.
"Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries.
"We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage.
The Wildlife Park, which is near Doncaster, was evacuated following the incident.
They issued the following statement to their Facebook page: "We are deeply saddened by today's tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life."
"We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time. The park will remain closed tomorrow."
Videos being circulated online appeared to show a man inside the enclosure at the park, with a tiger pawing at him.
Yorkshire Ambulance Services confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were sent to the scene.
The park opened in 2009, with the ‘Land of the Tigers’ attraction opening in 2011. It is on a purpose-built two-acre reserve for endangered Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
The park is home to two Amur tigers - one male named Altai, and one female called Tschuna.
According to the park's website, Amur tigers are endangered and are also known as Siberian Tigers.
Olivia Burke