The man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was visiting the attraction on his own, it emerged on Monday evening, as an investigation was launched into his death.
Emergency services were called to the wildlife park near Doncaster on Saturday after the man climbed into the animal enclosure and was then attacked by the tiger. Witnesses said he overpowered a woman who “desperately tried” to stop him entering the compound.
The man was later pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the BBC: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody.” The force said it would not name the man at the request of his family.
Also on Monday, the City of Doncaster Council licensing authority launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the council, said: “At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Did you see what happened? Contact bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk
Read MoreYorkshire Wildlife Park expected to open after fatal tiger attack
Tiger will not be euthanised after fatal attack on man – wildlife park
Key Points
- Health and safety investigation launched into death of man at zoo
- Victim killed by tiger won't be named
- Man who died in tiger enclosure was visiting on his own
- Expert: 'Impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
- Mother 'tried to stop man from jumping into enclosure' - witnesses
- Man killed by tiger posed for photo with animal before climbing into pen - witnesses
Local councillors reflect on 'upsetting' incident
05:00 , Bryony GoochCouncillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, said: “I really feel for the staff, they’ve got protocols they have to go through.
“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could.”
Doncaster’s deputy civic mayor councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: “We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded.”
He said he had been “really shocked about the tragic incident”.
Tiger who attacked man in Yorkshire enclosure ‘was endangered species who had joined from zoo in Norway last year’
04:00 , Bryony Gooch
Tiger who attacked man in Yorkshire enclosure pictured for first time
In pictures: Flowers lay outside Yorkshire Wildlife Park
03:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Yorkshire tiger latest: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
02:00 , Bryony GoochFull Statement: City of Doncaster Council announce an investigation
01:00 , Bryony GoochDan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”
Pictured: Altai the tiger
00:00 , Bryony GoochMan who died in tiger enclosure was visiting on his own - Report
23:00 , Bryony GoochThe man who died in a tiger enclosure in Yorkshire is not believed to have been accompanied by anybody, it has been reported.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody."
Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack
22:02 , Bryony GoochZoos take account risks of unpredictable behaviour in safety protocols, expert says
21:00 , Bryony GoochDr Paul Rose, a member of the UK Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) and lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said zoos do take into account risks linked to unpredictable behaviour from members of the public in their safety protocols.
“Public behaviour can be unpredictable as we all know,” he said.
“There will be mitigation in place, such as high fencing, stand-off barriers, signage and explanation and a code of conduct for how to behave at the zoo – and for visitors to take responsibility for their actions.
“Risk assessments will also be undertaken regularly.
“However, a risk of unusual human behaviour will always remain.
“The majority of visitors behave in a way respectful of the animal and environment at the zoo, but there is always a risk of rogue or unusual behaviour and this will continue to be risk assessed and part of zoo personnel training.”
What we know about Yorkshire Wildlife Park's tiger enclosure
20:00 , Bryony GoochYorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.
The attraction is a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Photos of the enclosure on the park’s website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam.
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack?
19:00 , Bryony Gooch
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack and who was the man killed?
Watch: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'
18:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Resident worries people care more about the tiger than the victim
17:00 , Bryony GoochEarlier on Monday a woman who lives near the wildlife park said she was concerned over reports the victim may have had additional needs and that people “seemed to care more about the tiger”.
Angela Seivewright, who went to lay flowers at the gate of the park, said she had previously seen adults with special needs in the park with carers who appeared to be “a bit distracted” and felt “sad” at much of the reaction to the man’s death.
Ms Seivewright said: “I believe that the person who was killed had additional needs.
“And, when I looked at social media over the weekend, when I said I hoped the person was OK, I got really bullied a lot – saying that he deserved to die.
“I have a special needs child and I think he was doing sign language to the tiger.
“So, it just felt it was really unfair that people were almost wishing him to die as opposed to not wanting anybody to be hurt.
“So it was really upsetting. My daughter goes to school next door and we live around the corner. And I just thought there would be way more flowers here.”
Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack
16:30 , Bryony GoochPictured: Flowers left at the entrance of Yorkshire Wildlife Park
16:00 , Bryony GoochPublic safety ‘integral part’ of UK zoo standards but risks remain, experts say
15:40 , Bryony GoochPublic safety is an “integral part” of standards regulating zoos in the UK, but risks linked to “unpredictable behaviour” from visitors can never truly be eliminated, experts have said.
Dr Campbell Murn, a former member of the government’s expert committee for zoos and a lecturer in Conservation Science at the University of Reading, said such incidents remain rare, but strengthened regulations could help mitigate risks further.
He said: “There’s an enormous amount of effort that goes into the securing of public safety for people who are visiting zoos, in addition to the weight that’s given to animal welfare in those settings as well.
“So it’s certainly something that is a very big and integral part of the zoo standards in this country.”
He added that, in zoos that have dangerous wild animals, enclosure design follows set regulations, and staff are trained in emergency responses.
“Their training is updated regularly, and they have immediately known and very rapid protocols to respond to emergency incidences, whether it’s an escape in the zoo or whether in very rare situations like this,” he said.
“There’s a lot more extensive safety systems involved with dangerous wild animals,” he said.
“There’s very clear standards that indicate the size and height of particular enclosures for dangerous wild animals.”
Breaking: Health and safety investigation launched into death of man at zoo
15:31 , Bryony GoochA health and safety investigation has been launched into the death of a man who was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, its licensing authority the City of Doncaster Council said.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.
“As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation.
“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.
“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”
Victim killed by tiger won't be named
15:13 , Bryony GoochSouth Yorkshire police will not be naming the victim who was killed by a tiger, The Independent understands.
It is understood that the family have requested the man is not named.
Victim attacked by tiger told animal to 'stop being naughty'
14:30 , Joe MiddletonThe victim mauled by a tiger after he climbed into the animal’s enclosure reportedly told it to “stop being naughty”.
Eyewitnesses told Sky News they told the man to “play dead”, but he didn’t understand what they were saying.
Moments before he jumped into the enclosure another eyewitness saw him “dancing, with his headphones in”.
'We suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure'
14:03 , Joe MiddletonAnthony Hunt, who had been at the wildlife park with his girlfriend Scarlet, was taking pictures of the tiger, called Atlai when the incident occurred.
He told Sky News: "We noticed the tiger's behaviour change. Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he's getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos - we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure".
Mr Hunt added that the tiger then leapt off the landing point and started sniffing the man.
What happened to the tiger?
13:24 , Sian ElvinThe tiger involved in the incident is an endangered species and joined the park last year from Norway.
In a statement on Sunday morning, the park confirmed the tiger involved is named Altai, an endangered Amur tiger. Zookeepers also confirmed Altai would not be euthanised following the tragedy, adding the tiger is “safe and well”.
Altai arrived at the park in March 2025, travelling over 1,135 miles from his previous home at the Norwegian Zoo, Dyreparken, according to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park expressed sympathy
12:58 , Sian ElvinYorkshire Wildlife Park on Sunday expressed their thoughts and sympathies with the family of the man who sadly lost his life at the zoo this weekend.
“We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident,” they said in a statement.
“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.”
Recap
12:35 , Sian ElvinYorkshire Wildlife Park said early on Monday it will remain closed for the whole of the day as investigations continue.
Councillor laments 'sad' situation after man mauled by tiger
12:17 , Joe MiddletonCouncillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, told the Press Association: “I really feel for the staff, they’ve got protocols they have to go through.
“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could.”
'Speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded'
11:50 , Joe MiddletonDoncaster’s deputy civic mayor Councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: “We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded.”
He said he had been “really shocked about the tragic incident”.
Resident criticises reaction to man killed by tiger
11:31 , Joe MiddletonA woman who lives near the wildlife park where a man was killed by a tiger has said she was concerned over reports the victim may have had additional needs and that people “seemed to care more about the tiger”.
Angela Seivewright went to lay flowers at the gate of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which remained closed on Monday after the fatal incident over the weekend.
She said she had previously seen adults with special needs in the park with carers who appeared to be “a bit distracted” and felt “sad” at much of the reaction to the man’s death.
Ms Seivewright said: “I believe that the person who was killed had additional needs.
“And, when I looked at social media over the weekend, when I said I hoped the person was OK, I got really bullied a lot – saying that he deserved to die.”
“I have a special needs child and I think he was doing sign language to the tiger.
“So, it just felt it was really unfair that people were almost wishing him to die as opposed to not wanting anybody to be hurt.
“So it was really upsetting. My daughter goes to school next door and we live around the corner. And I just thought there would be way more flowers here.”
Recap: Visitor recounts hearing gunshots as helicopters circled overhead
11:18 , Joe MiddletonKarmelle Pelham, from Worksop, told the BBC she was on a family day out at the park when it was evacuated.
She said they were in a lemur enclosure when they were told to leave, before being ushered “further and further into the park”.
They heard what sounded like several gunshots before seeing helicopters circling overhead.
“There was big black tarpaulin over the tiger enclosure,” she recounted, adding that staff handled the incident well.
“They did a great job of getting us out without panicking anyone.”
Police urge people not to share footage on social media
10:52 , Joe MiddletonPolice have urged people not to share distressing footage of the incident circulating on social media.
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said it is “aware of footage circulating online” and asked people not to engage with it.
Man killed by tiger 'posed for photo with animal before climbing into pen'
10:24 , Joe MiddletonThe 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.
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.”
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack?
09:57 , Joe MiddletonA man was fatally attacked by a tiger after he climbed into the animal enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Friday.
Witnesses have said the man posed for a picture with the tiger before entering the pen.
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on October 9 when he entered the enclosure.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police have said, adding that his family were informed.
Police have also confirmed the tiger was unharmed in the incident.
What happened in the Yorkshire tiger attack?
Tiger King star Carole Baskin said animal 'was not doing anything wrong'
09:40 , Joe MiddletonCarole Baskin, star of the hit TV show Tiger King, has urged UK authorities to leave the animal along after it fatally mauled a man who entered its enclosure.
In a written statement to the New York Post, Ms Baskin said: “The tiger was not doing anything wrong by being a tiger. I am relieved to hear that the animal was not harmed.”
She added: “We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate,” she explained.
“What we do know is that a tiger is a powerful wild predator, and no amount of captivity, training, or familiarity can change that.”
Ms Baskin also offered her heartfelt condolences to the family of the man who was killed.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park's statement in full
09:11 , Joe MiddletonA spokesperson for the park said this morning: “Due to the serious incident that occurred at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, the 10th of October, unfortunately the park remains closed for the whole of Monday, the 12th October.
“Anyone with a booking for this date will be contacted within the next five working days with details of how to reschedule your booking.
“We apologise for the late notice any inconvenience caused.”
