Last phrases man mauled to loss of life by tiger repeatedly shouted throughout assault at UK zoo
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A man was mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster after he was set upon by the big cat, with witnesses reporting he shouted one word repeatedly
The man was tragically killed after entering the tiger enclosure (Image: SWNS)
The man who was tragically mauled to death by a tiger at a UK zoo desperately screamed one word repeatedly at the animal in a frantic bid to halt its attack. Emergency crews raced to Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday (October 10).
The man entered the enclosure and was reportedly savaged by big cat Altai. The victim was declared dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) confirmed, adding his family had been notified.
Footage circulating online appears to show the man being clawed and grabbed by the tiger within the park’s enclosure. It has now emerged he shouted one word five times as the big cat repeatedly pounced at him in front of horrified families with children.
An Air Ambulance is seen approaching Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday(Image: SWNS)
Harrowing footage captures the man screaming: “Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!” He was also heard crying out: “No, no, no!”
One petrified visitor at the wildlife park said “you could see blood” and the tiger “dragging the man” by the neck. Video footage taken by one person shows the man sitting on the grass directly in front of the big cat, apparently pointing his finger and lashing out to keep the beast at bay.
One visitor was heard shouting: “Hey!” in a desperate attempt to distract the tiger but tragically, it clamped its jaws around the victim’s neck and hauled him away.
Moments later, zoo keepers discharged two warning shots in a bid to frighten the tiger, reports the Express.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and closed (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
Altai, who had arrived at the attraction last February, subsequently withdrew to his enclosure and was swiftly contained. The casualty has yet to be named and the motive for entering the tiger habitat remains unclear.
The facility was cleared shortly after the incident, with officials later confirming the attraction would stay shut today (October 11).
A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “At 1.35pm today (Saturday October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.
The tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
“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 spokesman said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor attended the scene.
Visitors heard ‘shots’ being fired at the park(Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
Yorkshire Wildlife Park launched in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers exhibit opening in 2011. The display sits on a specially-constructed two-acre habitat for Amur tigers, a threatened subspecies with approximately 500 remaining in the wild.
Images of the enclosure on the park’s website reveal a raised walkway for guests and fencing above the area where the tigers can wander.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s statement on Saturday following the incident said: “The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
Tickets remain on sale for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
