‘Shots fired’ after tiger 'attacks man' at Yorkshire Wildlife Park - as death confirmed
Police said a man was ‘seriously injured’ after being attacked by a tiger
A man has died after being attacked by a tiger after entering an enclosure at a wildlife park in Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has confirmed that a “serious incident” took place on Saturday (October 10). SWNS reports that ‘shots were fired’, according to witnesses.
Emergency services rushed to the zoo after the incident at shortly after 1.30pm this afternoon with an air ambulance landing at the scene.
Police have confirmed, in an update, that the man has died. His family has been informed.
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.”
Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger in an enclosure at the park.
SWNS reports that eye witnesses say a “black screen” has been erected around the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster.
Multiple witnesses said an “agitated” male was seen to jump into the enclosure and was grabbed by one of the cats before “five shots” were fired inside the pen.
According to SWNS, some of the witnesses said the shots involved a “gas canister".
It is understood the park will be closed for the rest of the day.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) have said the tiger remained in the enclosure and the Wildlife Park was subsequently evacuated.
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson also confirmed that two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
A statement posted on the wildlife park social media reads: “We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated and emergency services are currently attending the scene.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
Tia Hanson was at the park for a day out with a friend when the walkway between the tiger enclosure and the exit was closed, at around 2pm, she said.
She added: “It looks as if someone has jumped into the enclosure and they’ve had to shoot the tiger. People are saying they heard a gunshot and they say someone either jumped in, or fell in.
“There was an air ambulance and police everywhere. We’ve all been made to leave.
“When you’re leaving you have to walk past the tiger enclosure and they’ve put up all sort of black tarpaulin so you couldn’t really see.
“But there were loads of police and ambulance people and a stretcher in the enclosure as well. It wasn’t nice - there were lots of people who looked really upset.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened 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.