A man has died from severe injuries after entering a tiger enclosure at a British wildlife park.
A police statement said: “At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.”
“Emergency services were called to the scene, but unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” police said in a statement.
Police said the tiger was unharmed in the incident. The park announced that the animal will not be euthanized.
Police added that the man’s family are aware and are being supported by specialist police officers. “Our thoughts are with them at this tragic time.”
Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at UK wildlife park, emergency services called to scene
The park was evacuated after the incident. Officials said the tiger remained in its cage after the attack and posed no further danger to the public.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near the city of Doncaster in northern England, confirmed in a statement that a “serious incident” had occurred at one of its tiger reserves and the park’s emergency response procedures were “immediately activated”.
The park announced it would be closed over the weekend.
In a statement later released on Sunday, the park offered its condolences to the loved ones of the deceased man. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life,” the statement said.
The park said it had been contacted by “numerous” people about the tiger named Altai.
“We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanized as a result of this incident,” the statement said.
A statement said the park’s staff team had been “deeply affected” by the incident and were receiving professional support.
This story has been updated.
