Man 'wanted to play' with tiger after 'dancing happily' moments before attack

UK tiger attack: Man killed in fatal tiger attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday afternoon

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 large, endangered animal.

Witnesses have expressed their shock and devastation following the fatal attack on Saturday afternoon, with the man pronounced dead at the scene. One visitor had been observing the victim's behaviour just 20 minutes before he entered the Amur tigers' two-acre enclosure, reports Yorkshire Live.

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. Tragic for his family. Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock. Thankfully the tiger survived. Thankfully we didn't see him jump."

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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.

"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. 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."

A Yorkshire Wildlife Park spokesman 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."