The man who was killed after climbing into a tiger enclosure had posed for a picture with the animal in the background before entering the pen, witnesses have said.
Police were called after reports the man entered the enclosure at a zoo in Yorkshire at around 1:35pm on Saturday. Visitors were evacuated from the park and air ambulances scrambled, but the man was later pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said.
Witnesses have described how shots were fired in a bid to distract the tiger and allow emergency services to enter the enclosure. Speaking to The Mirror, one said: "Shots were fired into the air to make a noise and distract the tiger. The animal wasn't shot and is absolutely fine and not injured.
"The barriers are huge. You would have to really want to get inside the enclosure to be able to do it. From start to end the incident was over within minutes. The keepers did everything they could. It's horrific."
Police have since confirmed the animal was unharmed in the incident.
Witnesses have described how the man appeared to be “psyching himself up” and “dancing” while listening to music through his AirPods before entering the enclosure.
"The man who I saw on the bridge with his AirPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger,” one woman said. “He obviously wasn't with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background.
"Probably the last photo on his phone. I'm not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger.
"Tragic for his family. Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock. Thankfully the tiger survived.”
Police said their enquiries remain ongoing and have urged people not to share distressing footage that has emerged on social media.
The force said the man’s family have been informed, and that there is believed to be no wider risk to the public.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park also issued a statement saying it is “working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened”.
“We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure,” it said on Saturday.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated and emergency services attended the scene.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
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