Yorkshire Wildlife Park will not euthanise tiger Altai after man's death - statement in full

The tiger involved in the incident which resulted in a man’s death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is safe and will not be put down, it has been confirmed.

A statement was released on Sunday morning by Yorkshire Wildlife Park following an incident on Saturday afternoon in which a man died after entering the tiger’s enclosure.

The park said it had been contacted by “many, many people” about the tiger, who is called Altai. It reassured the public that the tiger is safe and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident, which remains under investigation.

The park said: “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 he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.”

Altai, an Amur tiger, came to Yorkshire Wildlife Park from Norway in February 2025 when he was three years old.

At the time, Director of Animals Charlotte MacDonald said: “We are thrilled to welcome Altai here at the Park .

“We are delighted with Altai. He is a beautiful, huge cat and very calm and receptive, his keepers at Dyreparken have clearly done a great job with him.

“He is very curious and interested in what is going on and I am sure he will be a massive hit with our visitors.”