Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shut its doors following a fatal incident in which a visitor entered a tiger enclosure and was attacked by one of the animals. The man died at the scene after climbing into the habitat on Saturday afternoon near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Emergency services arrived at the park at approximately 13:30 BST on Saturday in response to reports that a man had descended into the enclosure from an elevated walkway. Eyewitnesses reported observing the individual wearing headphones and moving back and forth near the barrier before he entered the tiger's territory and was set upon by the animal. Officers from South Yorkshire Police confirmed the fatality occurred at the location.
A representative of the park expressed their condolences to the deceased's family and stated that the Amur tiger involved, identified as Altai, would remain alive and would not face euthanasia as a consequence of the attack. The park confirmed that staff members present during the incident would be offered professional counselling services due to the traumatic nature of what they witnessed.
South Yorkshire Police indicated that the man's relatives were receiving support from officers. In an official statement, the force said:
"Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time."The police also noted the circulation of video recordings on social media platforms and urged the public to refrain from sharing such material.
The park had activated its emergency protocols immediately upon the incident occurring. In an announcement made on its website on Saturday, the facility stated it was
"working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened"and confirmed closure for the remainder of the weekend. According to the park's website, it would remain closed on Sunday, 11 October, with no reopening date specified at that time.
What did eyewitnesses see?
Ella Ford, aged 24 from Moreton in Wirral, was visiting the park alongside her boyfriend and had captured footage of the tiger moments before the attack occurred. She recounted observing a man positioned near the tiger enclosure
"pacing around with his headphones in"and noted that within minutes, she saw him
"climbed up onto the barriers."
Ford described a woman standing nearby in conversation with the man before
"he jumped in and crawled in front of the tiger, where the tiger was perched and just lay there."She then witnessed the tiger seize the man, who she reported as
"shouting for help."Ford estimated that between 15 and 20 visitors were positioned on the raised walkway overlooking the enclosure at the time. She observed staff members and members of the public attempting to intervene, noting that
"some man was obviously trying to bang on the fence to try and deter the tiger away, but it obviously wasn't doing anything."
Karmelle Pelham, 39, from Worksop, was at the park for a family outing when staff instructed visitors to leave the premises. She reported hearing sounds resembling
"gunshots"and observed an air ambulance circling overhead. Pelham added:
"There was a big, black tarpaulin over the tiger enclosure."She commended the park's personnel for their management of the emergency, characterising their response as
"very, very well organised."
What is known about the tiger?
The animal involved in the incident is one of two Amur tigers at the facility. According to reports from the incident, the pair of tigers—named Tschuna and Altai—arrived at the park in March 2025. The Amur tiger is an endangered subspecies, with approximately 500 individuals remaining in their natural habitat.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened to the public in 2009, with its Land of the Tigers section launching in 2011. The purpose-built two-acre reserve provides habitat for the Amur tigers and features a high walkway for visitor observation, with protective fencing positioned above the area where the animals roam. Images displayed on the park's website illustrate the elevated viewing platform and the barriers designed to separate visitors from the enclosure.
How have officials responded?
Ed Miliband, Foreign Secretary and Member of Parliament for Doncaster North, expressed his deep sadness regarding the incident and extended his
"thoughts and deepest condolences to the family of the individual who died."He further stated his gratitude, saying he was
"very grateful to the emergency services and staff of the park who responded."
Lee Pitcher, MP for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, also conveyed his appreciation to the emergency services involved in the response. In a statement released on social media, he expressed that he was
"deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident that has taken place at Yorkshire Wildlife Park today."
Key Facts
- A man died after entering an Amur tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday at approximately 13:30 BST
- The tiger involved, named Altai, will not be euthanised as a result of the incident
- The park remains closed with no reopening date announced; the two Amur tigers at the facility arrived in March 2025
- Eyewitnesses reported the man pacing near the enclosure before climbing over barriers and entering the habitat
- South Yorkshire Police have urged the public not to share video footage of the incident circulating on social media
