A man died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. The individual, who has not been identified, was attacked by a 30-stone Siberian tiger named Altai. Emergency services responded at approximately 1:35 PM, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining serious injuries.
Witnesses reported that the man asked fellow visitors to take a picture of him with the tiger moments before he climbed into the enclosure. Video footage shows him requesting multiple photos while Altai was resting nearby. After entering the enclosure, witnesses observed the tiger circling the man before attacking him. During the incident, the man was heard shouting for help and attempting to distract the tiger.
Zoo keepers attempted to intervene using gas-powered acoustic guns to drive the tiger away. Paramedics from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, including an air ambulance, arrived to provide assistance, but the man did not survive his injuries. South Yorkshire Police confirmed the man's death and stated that his family is being supported by specialist officers.
The park was evacuated following the incident and closed for the remainder of the day. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. Altai, the tiger involved, was reported to be uninjured and remained in its enclosure. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which opened in 2009, features a designated area for Siberian tigers, an endangered species. The park is cooperating with authorities to determine the details of the incident.