Doncaster, England — Wildlife Park Stays Closed After Fatal Tiger Attack

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, remains closed after a man climbed into a tiger enclosure on Saturday and was fatally attacked by the animal, according to the BBC. The park confirmed the tiger, an Amur named Altai, will not be euthanized.

What happened at the park on Saturday?

Emergency services were called to the park at about 13:30 BST on Saturday after reports that a man had climbed down into a tiger enclosure from a raised walkway, the BBC reported. South Yorkshire Police said the man died at the scene. The park said in a statement posted on its website that its emergency response procedures had been "immediately activated" and that it was "working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened."

How did the man get into the enclosure?

Ella Ford, 24, of Moreton, Wirral, was visiting the park with her boyfriend and filmed the tiger moments before the attack, according to the BBC. She described seeing a man by the enclosure "pacing around with his headphones in." Minutes later, she said, the same man had "climbed up onto the barriers" while a woman nearby talked to him.

"He jumped in and crawled in front of the tiger, where the tiger was perched and just lay there," Ford told the BBC, adding that she then saw the tiger grab the man, who she said was "shouting for help."

Ford estimated 15 to 20 people were on the enclosure's visitor walkway before staff evacuated the area and, shortly after, the park, the BBC reported. She said she saw someone "obviously trying to bang on the fence to try and deter the tiger away, but it obviously wasn't doing anything."

Karmelle Pelham, 39, of Worksop, was at the park with her family when staff announced the evacuation, according to the BBC. She told the outlet she heard what sounded like "gunshots" and saw an air ambulance circling overhead, along with "a big, black tarpaulin" placed over the enclosure. Pelham said park staff handled the incident in a way that was "very, very well organised."

What will happen to the tiger, Altai?

A park spokesperson said the tiger remained in the enclosure after the attack and would not be euthanized, the BBC reported. The spokesperson said many members of the public had contacted the park about the animal and confirmed he was "safe and well." The spokesperson also said staff who were at the scene and "deeply affected by events" would receive specialist support.

The park's statement said its "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" remain with the man's family, according to the BBC.

How have police and officials responded?

South Yorkshire Police said the man's family were being supported by officers. "Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time," the force said in a statement cited by the BBC. Police also said they were "aware of videos circulating online" and encouraged people not to share that footage.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who is the MP for Doncaster North, said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the incident and sent his "thoughts and deepest condolences" to the man's family, according to the BBC.

When will the park reopen?

The BBC reported that the park will remain closed for the rest of the weekend, with floral tributes left at the entrance. No reopening date was stated in the park's public statements as of the BBC's report. The park said it continues to work with authorities to determine exactly how the man entered the enclosure and what led to the attack.

The BBC's reporting does not identify the man who died, cite an official cause-of-death finding beyond the police statement, or specify whether charges or an inquest are planned. HTT News will update this report as South Yorkshire Police or the park release further information.

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