Yorkshire tiger latest: Man killed was visiting park alone, say police, as investigation launched

Yorkshire tiger latest: Man killed was visiting park alone, say police, as investigation launched A council responsible for licensing Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where the man was killed by a tiger on Saturday, has started a health and safety investigation - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join todayAlready a member? Log in The man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was visiting the attraction on his own, it emerged on Monday evening, as an investigation was launched into his death. Emergency services were called to the wildlife park near Doncaster on Saturday after the man climbed into the animal enclosure and was then attacked by the tiger. Witnesses said he overpowered a woman who “desperately tried” to stop him entering the compound. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene. On Monday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the BBC: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody.” The force said it would not name the man at the request of his family. Also on Monday, the City of Doncaster Council licensing authority launched a health and safety investigation into the incident. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the council, said: “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.” Did you see what happened? Contact bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk Local councillors reflect on 'upsetting' incident Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, said: “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.” 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”. Tiger who attacked man in Yorkshire enclosure ‘was endangered species who had joined from zoo in Norway last year’ Tiger who attacked man in Yorkshire enclosure pictured for first time Watch: Yorkshire tiger latest: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack' Full Statement: City of Doncaster Council announce an investigation 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.” Man who died in tiger enclosure was visiting on his own - Report The man who died in a tiger enclosure in Yorkshire is not believed to have been accompanied by anybody, it has been reported. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody." Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack Zoos take account risks of unpredictable behaviour in safety protocols, expert says Dr Paul Rose, a member of the UK Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) and lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said zoos do take into account risks linked to unpredictable behaviour from members of the public in their safety protocols. “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.” What we know about Yorkshire Wildlife Park's tiger enclosure Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening 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. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments