Man Killed by Tiger After Entering Enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Witnesses report the individual 'danced' before climbing into the habitat, where he was attacked by a Siberian tiger named Altai.
A man died after being mauled by a Siberian tiger at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, following an incident where he reportedly climbed into the animal's enclosure. The attack occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m., prompting an immediate emergency response.
Witnesses described the man, believed to be in his 20s, as appearing agitated and performing what they described as a 'dance' before scaling a fence to enter the tiger habitat. Videos circulating online showed the tiger, named Altai, approaching the man on the grass before attacking. Visitors in the area could be heard shouting, and zoo keepers responded by firing acoustic "shotgun-like" blasts in an attempt to drive the tiger away. Emergency services, including paramedics equipped with blood transfusion kits, arrived at the scene but were unable to save the man, who was pronounced dead at the location.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the man's injuries were fatal and stated his family is being supported by specialist officers. The police have requested that people refrain from sharing footage of the incident. The tiger, Altai, was reportedly unharmed and remained within its enclosure, with authorities confirming there was no ongoing risk to the public.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park officials stated they are cooperating fully with the authorities to determine the exact sequence of events. The park was evacuated following the incident and remained closed on Sunday. Altai, the male tiger involved, arrived at the park in February 2025 from Dyreparken Zoo in Norway.
The Land Of The Tigers area at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a two-acre reserve designed for Siberian tigers, an endangered species. The park, which opened in 2009, saw its tiger exhibit open in 2011.