A man died on Saturday after entering the enclosure of Altai, a rare Amur tiger, at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster. Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 13:30 on 10 October 2026, and the park has remained closed since the incident. The tiger was not harmed and will not be euthanised.
What occurred during the incident?
The park was hosting visitors when staff received reports that a man had climbed into the tiger enclosure from an elevated walkway on Saturday afternoon. According to Yorkshire Ambulance Service, the emergency call was received at 13:33. Visitors were evacuated from the area as the tiger attacked the man, who died shortly afterwards. The park confirmed that Altai, the Amur tiger involved, remained safely contained within the enclosure and would not face euthanasia as a consequence of the attack.
How is the facility designed?
Yorkshire Wildlife Park covers 150 acres and contains 15 distinct habitats with spacious pathways and elevated viewing platforms. The facility specialises in large animal conservation and houses species including lions, meerkats, lemurs, African penguins and sea lions. The Land of the Tigers section features a 300-metre raised walkway that allows visitors to observe the animals from above, with the park's promotional materials describing opportunities to see the "majestic cats freely roaming their woodlands and grasslands or playing in their very own waterfall pool".
What details are known about the victim?
The man's identity has not been released, though eyewitnesses reported observing a man appearing to be in his 20s on the walkway moments before the incident. He was wearing headphones and appeared to be moving back and forth along the barrier. Ella Ford, 24, from Wirral, provided an account of what she witnessed. She described seeing the man climb onto the barriers, where he was approached by a woman before he descended into the enclosure.
He jumped in and crawled in front of the tiger, where the tiger was perched and just lay there, Ford stated. She then observed the man calling for assistance as the tiger seized him. Ford estimated that between 15 and 20 people were standing on the raised walkway at the time. She noted that staff quickly moved people away from the area, and one visitor attempted to strike the fence to distract the tiger, though this proved ineffective. Confusion spread among nearby visitors as the situation unfolded.
What is known about Altai?
Altai is a rare Amur tiger, also referred to as a Siberian tiger, which represents the largest big cat species globally. According to park information, male Amur tigers typically weigh between 160 and 190 kilograms (25 to 30 stone), while females are considerably smaller at 110 to 130 kilograms (17 to 20 stone). Altai, now five years old, arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park from Dyreparken in Norway during February 2025. The transfer was arranged as part of the international EAZA European Endangered Species Programme for Amur tigers, enabling the animal to join Tschuna, the park's existing female tiger. Helene Axelsen, a biologist at Dyreparken, expressed sorrow regarding the incident.
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.
What has the park communicated?
A park spokesperson expressed gratitude for the concern shown following the attack. In a statement released on Sunday, the facility stated:
Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who tragically lost his life. The park will be closed today and the staff team who were deeply affected by events will receive specialist support. Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident.The park noted that its emergency response procedures were activated immediately and that it was collaborating with authorities to determine the sequence of events.
Why would a tiger attack in such circumstances?
Dr David Sands, a human-companion animal practitioner at the Animal Behavioural Clinic in Chorley, Lancashire, explained that tigers are predators shaped by millions of years of evolution to attack.
The animal is just being the animal that a million years of evolution has produced. It is the top apex predator of its group of animals. I don't think any blame could be put on the animal itself.Sands emphasised that tigers are territorial creatures.
This is a male tiger and the incredible weight and power, there's only one outcome because the tiger is in captivity - the enclosure is its territory and a male who can be scented becomes either competition or prey. We're so used to seeing them on the small screen in wildlife documentaries. This is a very big animal that's got the power to bite and break through bones.
What investigations are underway?
City of Doncaster Council has initiated a health and safety investigation into the death. Dan Swaine, the local authority's executive director of place, stated that the council was "deeply saddened" by the incident and extended its "deepest sympathies" to the man's family and those present at the scene.
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.According to police statements, there was no wider risk to the public following the incident, as the tiger remained contained within its enclosure. Police enquiries into the circumstances were continuing at the time of reporting, with no hearing or decision date announced.
