A Siberian tiger that fatally mauled a visitor who entered its enclosure at a UK wildlife park will not be euthanized. The man was killed Saturday after climbing over a barrier and appearing to taunt the animal.
The incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was captured on video, showing the tiger biting and clawing the man before rangers fired warning shots to scare the animal away. The man is believed to have jumped from a viewing platform into the enclosure after asking a stranger to take a photo of him. Witnesses also claimed he had been dancing and psyching himself up before entering the enclosure.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming that the tiger, named Altai, would remain alive.
“We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday’s tragic incident,” the park said in its statement. “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.”
“Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident,” the park added.
South Yorkshire Police said in a statement that “Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.” The park said it would be closed while the staff who were affected receive “specialist support.”
The circumstances surrounding the man’s decision to enter the enclosure remain unclear. Video footage also showed him sarcastically pointing at the animal, appearing to make a “bad” gesture.
