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Police respond to speculation about who 'vulnerable man' fatally attacked by tiger had traveled to wildlife park with
Authorities have released a major update about the death of a man who was killed by a tiger at an animal park in the UK, as a health and safety investigation into the incident gets underway.
Emergency services were called to Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday after an unnamed man entered the tiger enclosure and was fatally attacked. South Yorkshire Police confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene, and the park remains closed while investigations continue.
The horrifying incident that left a man dead
Visitors watching the big cats described scenes of panic as they witnessed the man grappling with Altai, the tiger involved in the incident, having broken into the enclosure moments before.
One witness told LADbible they saw “staff running around” frantically and directing visitors towards the exit, but “wouldn't say anything about why”.
Other witnesses described how a mum desperately attempted to grab the man before he entered the enclosure, with the park subsequently evacuated as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Although the wildlife park had been expected to reopen on Monday, October 12, it remained closed as enquiries continued, with authorities confirming on Monday that investigators believed the man had been visiting the attraction alone when the fatal incident occurred.
Authorities provide major update
The incident also prompted concern about Altai's future, with Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirming in a previous social media statement that the tiger was “safe and well”, before going on to confirm that the animal will not be euthanized following the attack.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at the local authority, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”
He continued: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
South Yorkshire Police previously confirmed the circumstances surrounding the man's death in a statement issued on Saturday.
“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.”
The force added: “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.”
Addressing concerns about the tiger, police said the animal had not been injured and remained inside its enclosure following the incident, as well as stressing that there was “no wider risk to the public”.
The force confirmed that the wildlife park had been evacuated and officers remained at the scene carrying out enquiries, with the police also acknowledging that footage of the incident was circulating online, and have since urged the public not to share the videos.