By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-11 07:16:02 | Updated at 2026-10-12 10:12:59
1 day ago
A man who was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park asked a couple for a photograph before he entered the enclosure, video footage shows.
The tiger attacked the unnamed individual, who was seen waving his finger at the apex predator in the encounter that left him mortally wounded.
Moments before he came face to face with the tiger, an online recording seemed to show him approaching a pair of visitors moments before the deadly incident.
In the video, the man is heard asking: "Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?"
The camera stayed trained on the animal inside its enclosure, obscuring the man.
A woman obliged, after which he asked for "one more" photograph and thanked her for her help.
It is thought to be the final known recording of the victim before he entered the tiger enclosure at the attraction near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon and was attacked.
South Yorkshire Police said they received reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at approximately 1.35pm on Saturday.
The man who was fatally mauled by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park appeared to ask for a photo before the attack
PA
Paramedics, two land ambulances, a critical care team, a doctor and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were all dispatched to the scene.
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.
Emergency services quickly swarmed the scene after the Saturday incident
The force moved to quash speculation about the animal's welfare, confirming the tiger sustained no injuries and remained inside its enclosure throughout.
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.
Imagery of the attack showed the predator swatting at the man, who waved his index finger at it.
Land of the Tiger is home to leopards, lions and cheetahs, as well as polar bears and brown bears
Police said they were aware of the videos and urged the public not to share them.
Witnesses at the park described scenes of panic as staff moved swiftly to usher visitors off the premises.
One witness said the man had entered the enclosure and was attacked while spectators looked on from nearby.
Emergency services arrived shortly after the site was cleared and the park was fully evacuated.
Following the fatal incident, the park announced it would remain shut today.
A statement from Yorkshire Wildlife Park read: “The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park first opened its doors in 2009 and the Land of the Tigers exhibit launched 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.
