Man Mauled to Death by Tiger After Entering Enclosure at UK Wildlife Park
Witnesses reported the man appeared happy and was posing for photographs shortly before the fatal incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
A man died after entering the Siberian tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in northern England on Saturday, according to local authorities.
Witnesses reported that the unidentified man was seen dancing and posing for photographs with the tiger, named Altai, in the background shortly before the incident. Marie Miller, a witness, stated on Facebook that the man appeared to be enjoying the animal and asked a stranger to take his picture. She added that she believed the man might have wanted to play with the tiger.
Police and paramedics were called to the park around 1:35 p.m. following reports that the man had entered the "Land of the Tigers" exhibit. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, causing serious injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the tiger was unharmed and remained in its enclosure.
A black screen was erected around the enclosure after the attack. Yorkshire Wildlife Park announced it would remain closed for the rest of the weekend as investigations continue. The park stated that its emergency response procedures were immediately activated and that they are cooperating with authorities.
Altai, the Siberian tiger, was transferred from Norway's Dyreparken zoo in February 2025 as part of a European endangered-species breeding program. He joined a female tiger named Tschuna, who has been at the park since 2013 and gave birth to three cubs in 2015. The park's "Land of the Tigers" habitat covers two acres and includes woodland, grassland, and a waterfall pool.
The park confirmed that Altai is safe and well and will not face euthanasia as a result of the incident. The family of the deceased man has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.