Tiger will not be euthanised after fatal attack on man – wildlife park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has said the tiger who attacked a man who entered the enclosure is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised following the incident.

Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday when the man entered the enclosure and was set upon by the tiger.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said, adding his family have been informed.

In a statement on social media on Sunday, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contact them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is well.

It added that members of park staff were “deeply affected” by the incident and are receiving specialist support.

Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park, near Doncaster.

The park was evacuated soon after the incident and it was later announced that the attraction would remain closed on Sunday.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.

The attraction is a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.

The statement from Yorkshire Wildlife Park read: “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 sadly lost his life.

“The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events 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.”

A police spokesperson said on Saturday: “At 1.35pm, 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.

“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.”

A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.

Photos of the enclosure on the park’s website shows a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam.

Tickets remain on sale for entry to the park from Monday onwards.

South Yorkshire Police said it is aware of the footage of the attack online and asked people not to share it.