Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

A man died on Saturday after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, around 1:30 p.m. local time. The visitor, who has not been publicly identified, reportedly appeared agitated before jumping into the habitat housing two endangered Amur tigers.

One tiger attacked the man, inflicting severe injuries. Video circulating on social media showed the animal biting the man's back and dragging him while he shouted for it to stop. Park staff deployed gas canisters to deter the tiger, and armed police fired up to five shots, though authorities later confirmed the tiger was not hit and remained unharmed inside its enclosure.

“Regarding rumors 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.”

Emergency services, including two ambulances and an air ambulance, responded immediately, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. Witnesses described scenes of panic and significant bloodshed as families were evacuated past the enclosure.

The park, which houses tigers Altai and Tschuna as part of an international breeding programme, was evacuated and announced it would remain closed on Sunday while investigations continue. South Yorkshire Police urged the public not to share graphic footage of the attack circulating online.