Yorkshire tiger latest: Man killed was visiting park alone, say police, as investigation launched

The man killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was visiting the attraction on his own, it emerged on Monday evening, as an investigation was launched into his death.

Emergency services were called to the wildlife park near Doncaster on Saturday after the man climbed into the animal enclosure and was then attacked by the tiger. Witnesses said he overpowered a woman who “desperately tried” to stop him entering the compound.

The man was later pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday evening, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson told the BBC: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody.” The force said it would not name the man at the request of his family.

Also on Monday, the City of Doncaster Council licensing authority launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the council, said: “At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”

Did you see what happened? Contact bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk

Pictured: Tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 06:00

Local councillors reflect on 'upsetting' incident

Councillor Steve Cox, who represents the Finningley ward covering the wildlife park, said: “I really feel for the staff, they’ve got protocols they have to go through.

“It’s really sad, but I’m sure everybody did what they could.”

Doncaster’s deputy civic mayor councillor Nick Allen, who represents a nearby ward, said: “We don’t know all the circumstances yet and the speculation online is obviously upsetting and unneeded.”

He said he had been “really shocked about the tragic incident”.

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 05:00

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 04:00

In pictures: Flowers lay outside Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 03:00

Watch: Yorkshire tiger latest: ' It's impossible that a human could have survived an attack'

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 02:00

Full Statement: City of Doncaster Council announce an investigation

Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “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.

“We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident.

“At this time, we won’t be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time.”

Mr Swaine also said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.”

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 01:00

Pictured: Altai the tiger

Bryony Gooch13 October 2026 00:00

Man who died in tiger enclosure was visiting on his own - Report

The man who died in a tiger enclosure in Yorkshire is not believed to have been accompanied by anybody, it has been reported.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody."

Bryony Gooch12 October 2026 23:00

Watch: Tributes left at Yorkshire Wildlife Park after fatal tiger attack

Bryony Gooch12 October 2026 22:02

Zoos take account risks of unpredictable behaviour in safety protocols, expert says

Dr Paul Rose, a member of the UK Zoos Expert Committee (ZEC) and lecturer in animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said zoos do take into account risks linked to unpredictable behaviour from members of the public in their safety protocols.

“Public behaviour can be unpredictable as we all know,” he said.

“There will be mitigation in place, such as high fencing, stand-off barriers, signage and explanation and a code of conduct for how to behave at the zoo – and for visitors to take responsibility for their actions.

“Risk assessments will also be undertaken regularly.

“However, a risk of unusual human behaviour will always remain.

“The majority of visitors behave in a way respectful of the animal and environment at the zoo, but there is always a risk of rogue or unusual behaviour and this will continue to be risk assessed and part of zoo personnel training.”