Tiger King star says beast ‘didn’t do something improper’ after man killed at UK zoo
The big cat activist Carole Baskin – star of the Tiger King show – pleaded with authorities not to kill the tiger which mauled a man to death at the Doncaster zoo
Carole Baskin has pleaded for authorities not to kill the animal (file)
Tiger King star Carole Baskin has pleaded with officials not to put down the tiger that killed a man who entered its enclosure. Tragedy struck yesterday after a man was mauled to death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after reportedly “jumping off” a viewing platform.
Terrified witnesses recalled seeing a “pool of blood” as the man was dragged away by the neck by a tiger called Altai. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene near Doncaster but sadly the man died at the scene.
Famous big-cat activist Carole expressed huge sympathy for the victim’s grieving family following the horror, but said no blame should fall on the tiger – which so far, has not been put down.
The big cat activist said we don’t know the full story (Image: GETTY)
“The tiger was not doing anything wrong by being a tiger. I am relieved to hear that the animal was not harmed,” Baskin told The New York Post in a written statement.
The animal rights campaigner insisted officials shouldn’t make any quick decisions. “We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate,” she explained. “What we do know is that a tiger is a powerful wild predator, and no amount of captivity, training, or familiarity can change that.”
Baskin offered her condolences to the family of the deceased. “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life today at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.”
Police at the Yorkshire zoo yesterday (Image: Charley Atkins / SWNS)
“No family should have to endure such a devastating loss, and my thoughts are also with those who witnessed this tragedy.”
Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organisation based in Tampa, which works to end the exploitation of big cats in captivity.
“Tragedies like this remind us why that work matters,” Baskin said. “My hope is that this terrible loss will lead to meaningful reflection about our relationship with wild animals, and a future where both people and tigers are safer because we have chosen to protect wild cats where they belong: in the wild.”
