DONCASTER, United Kingdom — British authorities have launched a health and safety investigation after a man was killed by a tiger at a wildlife park in northern England, forcing the closure of the attraction for a third consecutive day.
The man entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and suffered fatal injuries when the animal attacked him.
South Yorkshire Police said emergency services were contacted at approximately 1.35 p.m. and that the man was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to save his life.
His family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist police officers.
The victim’s identity has not been released at his family’s request.
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the wildlife park, confirmed on Monday that it had opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Council Opens Health and Safety Investigation
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said the investigation was being conducted as part of the authority’s statutory responsibilities.
“As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation,” Swaine said.
He added that the council was working with police, health authorities, and the park’s management.
The council declined to provide further information while the investigation continued and appealed for the privacy of the deceased man’s family to be respected.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated immediately after the attack and remained closed throughout the weekend.
Although it had initially been expected to reopen on Monday, management announced that the closure would be extended.
Visitors with bookings were told they would be contacted within five working days to arrange alternative dates.
Witnesses Describe Moments Before Attack
Visitors who witnessed the incident said the man had been walking near the tiger enclosure before entering the restricted area.
Anthony Hunt, who was visiting the park with his girlfriend, told Sky News that they noticed the tiger’s behaviour change shortly before the attack.
“We noticed the tiger’s behaviour change. Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure. We thought maybe he’s getting fed,” Hunt said.
He said they subsequently realised that a man had entered the enclosure.
Another witness, Alex Underwood, said the man had been wearing headphones and had asked visitors to take photographs of him before the incident.
Hunt also said a woman had told him she tried to prevent the man from entering the enclosure but was unable to stop him.
The police have not established publicly why the man entered the enclosure.
Videos of the incident subsequently circulated online, prompting South Yorkshire Police to ask members of the public not to share the footage out of respect for those affected.
Tiger Will Not Be Put Down
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that the tiger involved in the attack, a male Amur tiger named Altai, had not been injured and would not be euthanised.
The park said staff members were deeply affected by the incident and were receiving specialist support.
Altai arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park from Norway in February 2025 as part of an international conservation programme for endangered Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers.
The animal was introduced to the park’s Land of the Tigers attraction, a two-acre habitat that includes woodland, grassland, and a pool.
Visitors normally observe the tigers from a raised walkway approximately 300 metres long.
The wildlife park opened in 2009, while the tiger attraction began operating in 2011.
Family and Staff Receive Support
Flowers were left near the entrance to Yorkshire Wildlife Park as members of the local community expressed sympathy for the man’s family.
Steve Cox, a local councillor representing the area where the park is situated, acknowledged the impact of the incident on staff and witnesses.
“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could,” Cox told the Press Association.
Nick Allen, Doncaster’s deputy civic mayor, urged the public to avoid speculation about what had happened.
“We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded,” he said.
The incident has also prompted questions from local residents about visitor safety and the procedures used to respond to emergencies involving dangerous animals.
Police have not announced any criminal charges or identified wrongdoing by the park.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities have not announced when the attraction will reopen.
