A man sadly died after entering the tiger enclosure on Saturday afternoon
Altai the tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park(Image: Yorkshire Wildlife Park / SWNS)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has offered its “heartfelt” condolences to the family of the man who died after entering the tiger enclosure on Saturday, while confirming the animal involved in the incident will not be euthanised.
South Yorkshire Police were called to the park at around 1.35pm on Saturday (October 10), following reports that a man had entered the tiger enclosure and was attacked. He sustained serious injuries in the incident and it was later confirmed he had sadly died.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now issued a fresh statement, conveying their “heartfelt sympathies” to the family and friends of the man who lost his life. The park also confirmed the animal involved was Altai, an endangered Amur Tiger.
The park said Altai would not be put down following the incident. The statement read: “We would like to thank everyone who was expressed their concern following yesterday’s tragic incident.”, reports Yorkshire Live.
“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.”
A police spokesperson said on Saturday: “At 1.35pm, we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury. Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.”
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
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