Video footage appears to capture the moment a man asks bystanders to photograph him with the tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in what may be the final known recording of the victim before the fatal attack
Video footage appears to show the moment a man asks onlookers to take his picture with the tiger in what could be the last known film of the victim.
In the clip, the man approaches a couple and asks, “Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?”.
The recording shows the tiger inside its enclosure, while the man’s face cannot be seen. A woman agrees to help, before he can be heard asking for “one more”.
He thanks her for her help before the footage cuts out. It’s believed to be the final known recording of him.
Emergency crews were called just after 1.30pm on Saturday when the man entered the enclosure and was mauled by the tiger.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police (SYP) confirmed, adding his family had been informed.
Other videos doing the rounds online appear to show a man being attacked and grabbed by a tiger inside an enclosure at the park, near Doncaster. Police have urged people not to share these clips.
The tiger wasn’t hurt and remained in its enclosure after the incident.
The park was evacuated shortly after the tragedy and bosses later confirmed the attraction would stay closed on Sunday.
A 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.
“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 spokesperson confirmed two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were dispatched to the location.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park initially welcomed visitors in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction launching in 2011.
The display boasts a purpose-built two-acre habitat for Amur tigers, an endangered species with roughly 500 left in the wild.
Pictures of the enclosure on the park’s website show a raised walkway for visitors and protective barriers above the section where the tigers are kept.
After the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park released a statement: “The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.
“The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
Entry tickets remain on sale for the park from Monday forward.