The man fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday had been “dancing happily with AirPods in” before climbing down a fence, apparently “wanting to play” with the endangered big cat.
Witnesses have spoken of their horror and heartbreak following the deadly attack on Saturday afternoon, which claimed the man’s life at the scene. One visitor revealed she had observed the victim’s behaviour just 20 minutes before he leapt into the Amur tigers’ two-acre enclosure.
She said: “Twenty minutes before today’s tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat enjoying the sunshine. 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.
“Probably the last photo on his phone. I’m not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger.
In an updated statement on Saturday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “At 1.35pm today (Saturday, October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
“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.
“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.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said: “We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure. Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.
The park is now closed and will remain closed on Sunday, October 11.”
