Yorkshire Wildlife Park Tiger Attack Sparks Health and Safety Inquiry
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Health and Safety Inquiry After Fatal Tiger Attack
Image source: PA Media
Image caption: The park was evacuated after the attack on Saturday afternoon.
By Grace Wood
Yorkshire
Published: 12 October 2026, 08:43 BST
Updated: 1 hour ago
A health and safety investigation is underway following the fatal attack by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where a man was killed after entering its enclosure.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was shut down over the weekend after reports of a man climbing down into the tiger enclosure from a walkway on Saturday afternoon.
An eyewitness recounted seeing the man in headphones, "pacing around" near the enclosure before he entered and was attacked. South Yorkshire Police confirmed the victim was visiting the park unaccompanied.
"I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation," a spokesperson for City of Doncaster Council stated.
Dan Swaine, the local authority's executive director of place, expressed deep sorrow for the incident and sent condolences to the man's family and those present. He also emphasized their collaboration with multiple agencies, including the police and health services, to support the wildlife park.
"At this time, we won't be providing further comment on the individual or the investigation and ask that the privacy of those involved be respected during this difficult period," the spokesperson added.
The wildlife park remains closed for a third day while investigations continue.
A park spokesperson said: "Due to the events of the weekend, the park will remain closed today. We appreciate your understanding."
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the man died at the scene, and his family is being supported by officers.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park revealed that the rare Amur tiger, named Altai, would not be euthanized and remained in the enclosure.
Cars were observed entering and leaving the park on Monday, but no visitors were present.
In a message to ticket holders on Monday morning, the wildlife park stated that they would be contacted within the next five days to reschedule their visits.
Angela Seivewright, 47, from Bawtry, laid flowers outside the park gates as a tribute to the deceased. She holds an annual pass and has visited the park numerous times with her children.
"My daughter was unfortunately sent the video, and she's a teenager," Seivewright shared. "I found it very distressing, but I was more surprised by the anger and hatred the public expressed towards the gentleman."
On Saturday evening, police urged the public not to share videos circulating online related to the incident.
Image source: Simon Thake/BBC
Image caption: Angela Seivewright, with an annual pass, paying her respects at the park gates.
Dr. Campbell Murn, a former member of the government's zoo expert committee and lecturer at the University of Reading, characterized the incident as tragic but noted that determined individuals can gain access to zoo enclosures.