Man mauled to death after entering tiger enclosure at UK wildlife park

A man died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. The incident prompted an evacuation, while police said the tiger was uninjured and there was no wider risk to the public.

In Short

• Police received reports at 1.35 pm and emergency teams rushed over
• Medical personnel tried to save him, but he was declared dead
• His identity was withheld, while specialist officers supported his family

A man died after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England and being attacked by the animal, South Yorkshire Police said on Saturday.

Police said they received reports at 1.35 pm that a man had entered the enclosure at the wildlife park near Doncaster. The attack resulted in serious injuries, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by medical personnel.

“Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” South Yorkshire Police said in a statement.

The man's identity has not been disclosed. Police said his family had been informed and was receiving support from specialist officers.

“The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time,” the force said.

TIGER UNINJURED, NO WIDER RISK TO PUBLIC

Addressing rumours about the tiger's condition, police said the animal was uninjured and remained inside the enclosure after the incident.

“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,” the force said.

Police also acknowledged videos of the incident circulating online and urged people not to share the footage.

“We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this distressing footage,” the force said.

WILDLIFE PARK CLOSED AFTER INCIDENT

Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated following the incident and will remain closed until Sunday.

The park said its emergency response procedures had been activated immediately and emergency services had attended the scene. It is working with the authorities to establish what happened.

“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority,” the wildlife park said in a statement on its website.

The circumstances leading up to the incident have not been officially established.

- Ends
With inputs from Reuters