Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Witnesses describe moments before death of man who entered tiger enclosure

The man who died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park asked to have his picture taken with the animal in the background minutes before the incident in which he lost his life, a witness has said.

The man, who is yet to be named publicly, died on Saturday afternoon after entering the enclosure and being attacked by the tiger.

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

A post on Facebook by a woman who had been at the park yesterday 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 EarPods 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.”

She added: “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.”

Another witness posted in response to the woman’s message: “I don't know you but was also at YWP today, we saw the poor man in the hut part between the two tigers and noticed him with his ear pods too, not long before it happened.

“It's incredibly sad and people really do need to show more compassion. I agree that the park handled it really well and ensured everyone stayed calm when we were leaving.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which remains closed, has said it is “working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened”.

A spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by today's tragic incident.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.

“We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time.”

A police spokesperson said: “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.

“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 also confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.

Statements have been issued by local politicans following the incident.

Doncaster North MP and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. I send my thoughts and deepest condolences to the family of the individual who died. I am very grateful to the emergency services and staff of the park who responded.”

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident that has taken place today at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved at this immensely difficult time.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Park o pened in 2009, with the “Land of the Tigers” attraction opening in 2011.

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

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.

SYP have said they are aware of the footage online and have asked people not to share it.