The tiger that fatally mauled a man at Yorkshire Wildlife Park yesterday will not be euthanised, the zoo has revealed in a statement.
An unnamed individual, who was seen waving his finger at the apex predator in the encounter, was left mortally wounded after entering the tiger’s enclosure on Saturday.
“We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday’s tragic incident,” Yorkshire Wildlife Park said in a statement posted to X.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
“The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
“Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident.”
South Yorkshire Police said they received reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at approximately 1.35pm on Saturday.
Paramedics, two land ambulances, a critical care team, a doctor and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were all dispatched to the scene.
The tiger that fatally mauled a man at Yorkshire Wildlife Park yesterday will not be euthanised, the zoo has revealed
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PA
Despite extensive efforts by medical personnel, the man could not be saved and was declared dead at the park.
In a statement, the force said: “The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident were continuing, and the man’s identity had not yet been publicly released.
The force moved to quash speculation about the animal’s welfare, confirming the tiger sustained no injuries and remained inside its enclosure throughout.
The zoo confirmed the fate of the animal in a statement released on X
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X: YORKSHIRE WILDLIFE PARK
Officers stressed there was “no wider risk to the public” following the incident.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is home to two Amur tigers, one male, Altai, and one female, Tschuna. More commonly known as Siberian tigers, they are the world’s largest big cat.
Footage of the incident showed the predator swatting at the man, who waved his index finger at it.
Police said they were aware of the videos and urged the public not to share them.
Emergency services quickly swarmed the scene after the Saturday incident | X/ @AMA14X
Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its doors in 2009, and it launched the Land of the Tigers exhibit two years later, in 2011.
The purpose-built reserve spans two acres and is home to Amur tigers, a critically endangered subspecies with an estimated 500 surviving in the wild.
Photographs on the park’s website show elevated walkways where visitors observe the animals, with fencing and barriers separating the public from the tigers’ roaming area.
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