A man died Saturday after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in northern England and being attacked by one of the animals, police said.
South Yorkshire Police received reports at 1:35 p.m. that a man had entered the enclosure. The tiger subsequently attacked him, causing serious injury. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not publicly identified him. Police said in a statement that “the man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers.”
The park addressed the incident on social media. “A serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure,” it said. The park said it was working with authorities to establish what exactly happened and would remain closed until Sunday.
It remains unclear how the man gained access to the enclosure. Photographs on the park’s website show a high walkway for visitors, with fencing above the area where the tigers roam. Mediaite reported that the man leapt into the enclosure and described his reason for doing so as inexplicable.
Police have not offered an explanation, and the investigation is ongoing. Police said the tiger was uninjured, remained in its enclosure and presents no wider risk to the public. The statement was issued in response to rumors about the animal’s condition. The park was evacuated, and officers remained at the scene Saturday night.
Video of the encounter has circulated online. Clips appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger. Mediaite reported that the footage shows him conscious as the animal bit his back and batted him around. Police said they are aware of the footage and urged the public not to share it, calling it distressing.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park began operating in 2009, and its “Land of the Tigers” attraction opened in 2011. The 150-acre facility is home to hundreds of animals, including bears and tigers. The tigers are housed in the park’s Amur tiger reserve.
Fatal tiger encounters at British zoos are rare but not unheard of. In 2017, a zookeeper died at Hamerton Zoo Park in Cambridgeshire after a tiger entered an enclosure where she was working. The zoo called it a “freak accident.”
The park said the safety of visitors, staff and animals remains its priority. Further details are expected as police and park officials complete their inquiries, including the man’s identity once his family has been notified and authorities are ready to release it.