A man has died after entering a tiger enclosure at a wildlife park in England and being attacked by one of the animals.
The incident happened Saturday afternoon at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Police said the man suffered serious injuries after getting inside the tiger enclosure, according to the New York Post.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Called to Tiger Enclosure
South Yorkshire Police said officers received reports at about 1:35 p.m. that a man had entered the tiger enclosure at the wildlife park.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury,” police said in a statement.
Emergency crews rushed to the park and attempted to treat the victim. However, his injuries were too severe.
“Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” police added.
The man’s name has not been publicly released. Police said his family is receiving support from specially trained officers.
“Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time,” authorities said.
Witnesses Saw the Attack
According to the New York Post, video from the scene showed the tiger attacking the man while he was on the ground inside the enclosure.
People watching from outside the enclosure could be heard shouting as the frightening scene unfolded. The footage showed the man attempting to protect himself during the attack.
Witnesses later said a black screen was placed around the enclosure following the incident, according to British newspaper The Star.
Authorities have not explained how the man managed to enter an area intended to keep visitors separated from the animals. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Tiger Remained Inside Enclosure
Police said the tiger was not injured during the incident and remained safely inside its enclosure afterward.
Authorities also stressed that there was no danger to other visitors or members of the public.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park announced that it closed following the incident and would remain closed the following day.
“We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure,” the wildlife park said in a statement.
The park has not released further details about how the man entered the enclosure or what happened immediately before the attack.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Tiger Exhibit
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, polar bears, cheetahs, leopards and black rhinos.
Its tiger area, known as Land of the Tiger, was designed to allow visitors to see the big cats while remaining safely separated from them. Walkways give guests views into the animals’ habitat.
The park is home to Amur tigers, also commonly known as Siberian tigers. They are among the world’s largest cats and are considered endangered.
The animals can weigh hundreds of pounds and are powerful predators. Wildlife parks use barriers and other safety measures to prevent direct contact between the animals and visitors.
Investigation Continues
The biggest unanswered question is how the man managed to get inside the tiger enclosure.
Police have not said whether investigators believe he deliberately entered the enclosure or whether other circumstances led to him being inside it.
Authorities also have not said whether the victim was visiting the wildlife park alone or with other people.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine exactly what happened before the deadly encounter.
