Yorkshire tiger attack - latest: Police say man mauled to death by tiger at wildlife park had visited alone

Yorkshire tiger attack - latest: Police say man mauled to death by tiger at wildlife park had visited alone Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which is near Doncaster, remains closed following Saturday's tragedy, with floral tributes left at the entrance to the park A man who was mauled to death by a tiger at a wildlife park on Saturday is believed to have been visiting alone. Police said today that the visitor was not thought to have been accompanied when he was attacked at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster. The man had entered the animal's enclosure at the popular attraction, which remained closed today. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said today: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody." The force will not be naming the man at the request of his family, it is understood. A health and safety investigation has now been launched, with City of Doncaster Council leading the probe. The council said it is "deeply saddened" by the incident. Dan Swaine, the council’s executive director of place, said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those who witnessed the incident and the staff at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who responded swiftly." Key Events Woman who took last photo of man holds back tears in new update Del Taylor, who was one of the last people to interact with the man at Yorkshire Wildlife Park before his tragic death, has shared a new update on the incident. She was visiting the park with her boyfriend when she was approached by the young man, who asked her: "Can you grab a shot of myself with the tiger?" She has now described him as being "so happy" in the moments before he leapt into the tiger enclosure. In a new update on her TikTok she seemed to be fighting back the tears as she spoke about the speculation online surrounding the man. The Yorkshire Hive update The Yorkshire Hive is a free-admission shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to the entrance of Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The company has confirmed that the Yorkshire Hive will remain open as usual. "There is always a risk of rogue or unusual behaviour" - ZEC member says Dr Paul Rose, a member of the UK Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) and lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, has addressed zoos safety protocols. He says they do take into account risks linked to unpredictable behaviour from members of the public, reports The Independent. He said: “Public behaviour can be unpredictable as we all know,” he said. “There will be mitigation in place, such as high fencing, stand-off barriers, signage and explanation and a code of conduct for how to behave at the zoo – and for visitors to take responsibility for their actions. “Risk assessments will also be undertaken regularly. However, a risk of unusual human behaviour will always remain. “The majority of visitors behave in a way respectful of the animal and environment at the zoo, but there is always a risk of rogue or unusual behaviour and this will continue to be risk assessed and part of zoo personnel training.” Zoo death 'shocking' as cases of people entering enclosures are 'extremely rare' Dr Campbell Murn, a lecturer at the University of Reading and a former member of the Government's advisory body on zoos, has described Saturday's incident as "extremely rare". He said: "UK zoo standards put public and animal safety and welfare at their core, and they affect almost every decision about how a zoo is designed and run. "Animals such as big cats are in the highest risk category. They must always be behind secure primary barriers, with additional stand-off barriers to keep visitors at a safe distance. "Zoos must also have emergency procedures for incidents involving dangerous animals, and staff are trained and regularly drilled in how to respond in such scenarios. "No barrier can be made completely impossible to get past, but incidents like this are extremely rare in UK zoos. That is part of why they are so shocking when they happen." Tragedy reignites debate over keeping big cats in captivity The tragedy at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has reignited debate on social media over the ethics of keeping big cats and other large animals in captivity. Supporters argue that zoos play an important role in conserving endangered species through breeding programmes and safety measures. Critics, however, point out that zoo enclosures are tiny compared with tigers' and lions' natural habitats, citing studies showing that some captive big cats exhibit signs of stress and display behaviours not seen in their wild. Dr Campbell Murn, programme director for zoology at the University of Reading, said that for many people, visiting a zoo may be their only opportunity to see a tiger or another endangered species in person. "This encounter can be powerful. If it inspires people to care about these animals, it can turn into support for protecting them in the wild," he said. Police urge public not to share 'distressing' videos online As a reminder, South Yorkshire Police has urged the public not to share the "distressing" videos of the incident circulating online. The videos have been widely shared on social media and by foreign news outlets. Doncaster's deputy civic mayor, Councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said earlier today that "the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded". The victim will not be named by police at the request of his family, it is understood. Unclear when wildlife park will reopen It is not yet clear when Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen. The park announced in a social media post this morning that it would remain closed for the day. In a previous statement on social media, the park said "many, many people" had asked about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and confirmed he was "safe and well" and would not be euthanised. It added that members of park staff were "deeply affected" by the incident and were receiving specialist support. Where do Amur tigers come from? Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are an endangered subspecies, with an estimated 500 remaining in the wild. They live mainly in the forests of Russia's Far East, with a smaller population in north-east China. Their scientific name is Panthera tigris altaica, meaning "tiger of the Altai Mountains", a mountain range at the heart of Asia, where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, China and Mongolia meet. The Siberian tiger is the world's largest living tiger subspecies. Males can weigh up to 660lb (300kg) and measure up to 10ft (3m) in length from nose to tail. Tiger involved in attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was born in Norway The tiger involved in the attack, named Altai, was moved to Yorkshire Wildlife Park from Dyreparken in Kristiansand, Norway, in February 2025 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, Norwegian outlets report. Dyreparken biologist Helene Axelsen said Altai was born at the Norwegian zoo in 2021. She was quoted by the BBC as saying: "We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend. "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victim's family, loved ones, and the entire team at Yorkshire Wildlife Park during this extremely difficult time." Man who died at Yorkshire Wildlife Park believed to have been alone, police say A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson has said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody." Latest pictures from scene as investigation into man's death continues Zoo expert: Safety is key to UK zoo standards, but 'determined' people can breach enclosures Dr Campbell Murn, a lecturer at the University of Reading and former member of the Government's advisory body on zoos, explained that determined people can get inside zoo enclosures. "I view it in the same way a determined thief will get into somebody's house or somebody's car, and despite the best security systems and enclosures, sometimes these things happen," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "One of the fundamental approaches of a modern zoo is to give people a wildlife experience and keep them safe so they can learn and they can enjoy being near the animals, but keeping a safety distance that is relevant but not making it too heavy-handed." Dr Murn added that public safety is an "enormous consideration" for zoo standards in the UK. Not yet known when Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen Yorkshire Wildlife Park remained closed today as investigations continue into the death of the man who was attacked by a tiger after entering its enclosure on Saturday. It is unclear whether the park will remain closed tomorrow, for a fourth consecutive day. Yesterday, the park said "many, many people" had contacted it about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and confirmed he was "safe and well" and would not be euthanised. The statement added that park staff were "deeply affected" by the incident and were receiving specialist support. Statement from City of Doncaster Council Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: "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." Mr Swaine also said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and 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." Health and safety investigation launched into death of man at wildlife park A health and safety investigation has been launched into the death of the man who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the site's licensing authority, City of Doncaster Council, has confirmed. The Health and Safety Executive earlier said it would not investigate the incident, confirming that the council would be responsible for the investigation. Park visitor recounts interaction with victim before tiger attack Alex Underwood, who was visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park with his girlfriend on Saturday, said the victim had asked her to take a picture of him shortly before entering the enclosure. "We were on the tiger bridge and I spotted him - he was dancing with his earphones on," Alex told Sky News. "He said 'can you take a photo of me please?'. She [my girlfriend] said 'yes'. Then he said 'another one, another one'. He didn't look into the camera. He looked at us both and said thank you." Alex told the broadcaster that he and his girlfriend left the bridge shortly afterwards. When they later heard that someone had jumped into the enclosure, they immediately "thought of him for some reason". Zoo safety expert's warning to visitors across UK Cate Walter, co-owner of Cheshire-based health and safety consultancy company Rhino Safety Ltd, is a "world leader" on ensuring zoos are as safe as they can possibly be. She spoke to the Mirror about the safety measures are in place to protect zoo-goers, and what happens when these fail. Victim 'will not be named' - police The Doncaster attraction remained closed on Monday as investigations continue into the death of the man, who was attacked by a tiger when he entered its enclosure on Saturday. South Yorkshire Police will not be naming the man at the request of his family, news outlets have been told. Victim told the tiger 'stop being naughty' The man killed by a tiger over the weekend reportedly told the big cat to “stop being naughty” just before the horrific incident. Eyewitnesses described how onlookers told the young man to “play dead” before the animal killed him but he did not understand, instead telling the tiger to “stop being naughty,” Sky News reports. Other visitors described how the man had asked them for a photo in front of the tiger before climbing into the enclosure while another said they saw him dancing with his headphones on near the animal’s pen. Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and emergency services were called to the incident on Saturday afternoon but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police ask people not to share video on social media Police have urged people not to share distressing footage of the incident currently circulating on social media. In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said it is “aware of footage circulating online” and asked that social media users do not engage with it. Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park. In another, it appears the voice of the as-yet-unidentified man can be heard asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger before the incident took place. Everything we know about fatal tiger attack - Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday when the man entered an enclosure and was set upon by a tiger - He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police have said, adding that his family have been informed - Yorkshire Wildlife Park has said it will remain closed on Monday as investigations continue into the death of a man who was attacked by a tiger when he entered its enclosure on Saturday - Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by Altai in the tiger enclosure at the park, near Doncaster - In another, it appears the voice of the as-yet-unidentified man can be heard asking people to take a photo of him with the tiger before the incident took place - South Yorkshire Police said it is aware of the footage of the attack online and asked people not to share it Visitor describes taking final picture of man before he was killed A woman who took what is likely the last photograph of the man mauled to death by the tiger has described the last moments before he climbed the fence into the enclosure. Del Taylor said she was enjoying a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park Saturday when the man came up to her and asked if she would take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. She told the Sun how the man asked: “Can you grab a shot of myself with the tiger?” In a video clip shot by Ms Taylor's partner the man can be heard laughing as he asked for another picture, saying: “One more, one more, one more.” Ms Taylor then handed the man his phone back, to which he said “Thank you lady”. She had her partner walked away before moments later the man climbed the fence into the tiger enclosure. Park visitors looked on in horror as the man was mauled to death by the tiger. He was later pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. Deputy Mayor blasts ‘needless online speculation’ Doncaster's deputy civic mayor Councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: "We don't know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded." He said he had been "really shocked about the tragic incident". Meanwhile Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, told reporters: "I really feel for the staff, they've got protocols they have to go through. "It's really sad, but I'm sure everybody did what they could." 'People seem to care more about the tiger' - resident A woman who lives near the wildlife park has said people "seemed to care more about the tiger" than the man killed. Angela Seivewright went to lay flowers at the gate of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which remained closed today after the tragic incident on Saturday. She said: “When I looked at social media over the weekend, when I said I hoped the person was OK, I got really bullied a lot - saying that he deserved to die." She said people’s reactions online had been "really upsetting" and "unfair". She added: "My daughter goes to school next door and we live around the corner. And I just thought there would be way more flowers here." Ms Seivewright said she had a season ticket to the park, but added: "I don't know if I would support them again. "I just don't know if they took every opportunity to save him, his life, as opposed to maybe doing something to the tiger," she said. "I think it's a bit of an indictment on the community in terms that people seem to care more about the tiger. "It just feels a bit sad that his death is not mourned more." She added that while she was an animal lover herself, the reaction of some people had seemed lacking in empathy. "I would have thought people would have been more compassionate with somebody dying in such an awful way," she explained. What do we know about Altai the tiger? Yorkshire Wildlife Park has two Amur tigers, Altai, involved in the incident at the weekend, and Tschuna. Amur tigers otherwise known as Siberian tigers are large predators with males like with Altai, now three years old, weighing around 30 stone (190kg) and females weighing like Tschuna tipping the scale at around 20 stone (130kg). Altai was born at a Norwegian Zoo and arrived in the park in February 2025. Director of Animals, Charlotte MacDonald, said at the time: “We are delighted with Altai. He is a beautiful, huge cat and very calm and receptive.” Altai’s previous keeper, Even Grønnerø said: “Altai is a nice and calm tiger. He loves his training, eating and especially enjoys playing in the water outside.” Tschuna arrived at the Park in 2013 and gave birth to three cubs two years later, her cubs have since moved to different parks. Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Land of the Tigers attraction opened in 2011. The attraction is a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild. Photos of the enclosure on the park’s website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam. The park has confirmed Altai will not be euthanised. ‘Tiger King’ star Carole Baskin weighs in on deadly attack ‘Tiger King’ star Carole Baskin has said no blame should fall on the tiger that killed a man who climbed into its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday. “The tiger was not doing anything wrong by being a tiger. I am relieved to hear that the animal was not harmed,” Baskin told The New York Post. “We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate,” she explained. “What we do know is that a tiger is a powerful wild predator, and no amount of captivity, training, or familiarity can change that.” Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Florida. She came to fame with the 2020 Netflix true-crime docuseries “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness” in which eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic hired a hitman to kill Baskin after she sued him for $1 million. She offered her condolences to the family of the unnamed man who died after he was mauled by the big cat, saying: “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life today at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss, and my thoughts are also with those who witnessed this tragedy.” The park has confirmed Altai the tiger will not be euthanised. What we know so far Witnesses have described the horrifying moment a man climbed over a fence at Yorkshire Wildlife Park before being fatally mauled by a tiger. The Doncaster park remains closed today after guests were evacuated on Saturday when the man, who has not been named, died after he entered the Tiger enclosure. Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 10, police said, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Horrified onlookers tried to prevent the man from jumping into the tiger enclosure before he went on to ‘bow’ to the animal before it attacked him, witnesses said. In a statement on social media over the weekend, the wildlife park said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised. Investigations are continuing into the incident. Tiger was ‘just playing’ when it killed the man - animal keeper An animal expert has said that the 30-stone (200kg) tiger was probably "just playing" when it began pawing at the man who climbed into its enclosure on Saturday before fatally injuring him. "If it really wanted to kill him, it would have probably killed him within 10 seconds," animal keeper Reece Oliver told Sky News. "I don't think it knew what he was going to do, because the only thing that goes into that enclosure normally would be enrichment toys or food. "So, I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was, what he was, and unfortunately it ended up being a fatal attack." Park apologises to guests as gates remain shut Yorkshire Wildlife Park has apologised to guests after saying it will remain closed today following the "serious incident" at the weekend. In a message sent to ticketholders on Monday morning, the park said: "Due to the serious incident that occurred at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, the 10th of October, unfortunately the park remains closed for the whole of Monday, the 12th October. "Anyone with a booking for this date will be contacted within the next five working days with details of how to reschedule your booking. "We apologise for the late notice and any inconvenience caused." Tiger victim's fatal action before animal suddenly pounced A man killed by a tiger moments after he leaped into its enclosure made a fatal action before the animal pounced and mauled him to death. Horrified witnesses tried to prevent the man from jumping into the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in the moments leading up to the attack.