Man who scaled Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger enclosure made sign for 'bad' before he was attacked, say witnesses
Witnesses have shared harrowing new details about the man who died after being mauled by a tiger at a zoo in Yorkshire.
Emergency services rushed out to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park at around 1.30pm on Saturday following reports that a man had entered the enclosure and had been attacked by the tiger.
Zookeepers reportedly did ‘everything they could’ to save the man, including firing acoustic gun blasts in an attempt to scare off the tiger.
Tragically, South Yorkshire Police later confirmed that the man, who has not been identified, died at the scene.
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“At 1.35pm today (Saturday October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park,” the force said yesterday.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.
“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.”
Witnesses at the scene claimed the man was seen ‘dancing’ on the viewing platform and asked another visitor to take a photo of him with one of the tigers in the background before the horrific incident.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, one person said that a woman had unsuccessfully attempted to pull the man back onto the viewing platform before he entered the enclosure.
Other witnesses told the Daily Mail that once in the enclosure the man had made the gesture for 'bad' in Makaton - a sign language system that’s used to help people communicate.
Ella Ford, was visiting the zoo with her boyfriend when the incident unfolded, speaking to the BBC, she said that ‘climbed a few barriers’ and eventually ‘jumped in and crawled in front of the tiger, where the tiger was perched and just lay there’.
She said that as the tiger grabbed the man he began ‘shouting for help’.
It is unclear why the man entered the tiger pen during his visit.
The zoo shares update on tiger involved in the incident
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has since confirmed that the adult Siberian tiger, called Altai, will not be euthanised following the incident.
In a statement shared with LADbible, the zoo said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life.
"The park will be closed today and the staff team who were deeply affected by events will receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Ed Miliband, the foreign secretary and MP for Doncaster North, said he was 'deeply saddened' by the incident.
"I send my thoughts and deepest condolences to the family of the individual who died. I am very grateful to the emergency services and staff of the park who responded," he wrote in a social media post.
Topics: UK News
Claire Reid