Tiger King star Carole Baskin says Yorkshire zoo tiger ‘did nothing wrong’ after mauling man to death

“I am relieved to hear that the animal was not harmed,” she added.

The Tiger King star went on: “We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate.

“What we do know is that a tiger is a powerful wild predator, and no amount of captivity, training, or familiarity can change that,” she signed off in her statement to the New York Post

The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at the park near Doncaster, when a man in his early 20s breached the tiger enclosure and was attacked by the 30-stone Siberian tiger named Altai.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene at approximately 1:30pm following reports of a man climbing down into the enclosure from an elevated walkway.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, including an air ambulance, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the victim’s family were being supported by officers, adding: “Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.”

As of Monday, the park remained shut for a third consecutive day whilst investigations continued. A spokesperson said: “Due to the events over the weekend, the park will remain closed today.”

Elsewhere in her statement, Ms Baskin expressed sympathy for those affected by the tragedy, adding that her “heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.”

“No family should have to endure such a devastating loss, and my thoughts are also with those who witnessed this tragedy,” she commented.

The 65-year-old, who continues to run the Tampa-based Big Cat Rescue sanctuary alongside her husband, also called for change when it comes to homing big cats.

“Tragedies like this remind us why that work matters,” she said. “My hope is that this terrible loss will lead to meaningful reflection about our relationship with wild animals, and a future where both people and tigers are safer because we have chosen to protect wild cats where they belong: in the wild.”

Eyewitnesses described alarming behaviour in the moments before the attack after spotting the man, who was seen wearing headphones, “pacing around” near the enclosure.

He had reportedly been dancing “erratically” on a raised viewing platform.

Keepers eventually managed to drive Altai away from the man by firing gas-powered acoustic guns into the air, causing the five-year-old Norwegian-born tiger to retreat to a nearby shelter, where he was secured.

The park confirmed on Sunday that Altai is “safe and well” and will not be put down as a result of the incident, a message issued after “many, many people” had contacted them about the animal’s welfare.

Staff who witnessed the attack were described as “deeply affected” and have been offered specialist support.

South Yorkshire Police said their investigation into the circumstances of the death remains ongoing. The force also appealed to the public not to share video footage of the incident that has been circulating on social media.