Man mauled to death by tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park was alone, police reveal
Police have said the man was alone
A man who was killed by a tiger at a zoo was visiting alone, police reveal.
He was mauled to death by a 30-stone tiger after jumping into a zoo enclosure and was visiting the popular family attraction alone, police said today.
Witnesses at the zoo said the man, who was not yet been named, appeared to have learning difficulties.
However, South Yorkshire Police confirmed today (October 12) that he was not accompanied by family or carers before the shocking incident.
A spokesperson said: "It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody."
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was shut on Saturday after the man jumped into the big-cat’s enclosure.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said they would not be identifying the victim, as requested by the family, although the man's details have been passed on to Doncaster’s Coroner.
The zoo remained closed today following the tragic incident. It is unclear if it will be re-opened to tomorrow.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Yorkshire Wildlife Park today said: "Due to events over the weekend, the park will remain closed today.
"Thank you for understanding."
Flowers have since been pictured outside the gates of the entrance and the surrounding area.
Visitor Marie Miller said she had seen the young man entering the enclosure shortly before tragedy struck.
She said he was “happily enjoying seeing the tiger” and asked another visitor to take a photo of him with the cat in the background.
Marie said: “20 minutes before [the] tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat in the sunshine.
“The man who I saw on the bridge with his EarPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger.
“He obviously wasn’t with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. Probably the last photo on his phone.
“I’m not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger.
“Tragic for the family. Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock.
“Thankfully the tiger survived.”
It is thought several people tried to stop him from clambering into the enclosure.
Moments later brave rangers fired warning shots and then “did everything they could” to stop the horror attack.
It has since been reported that the staff who dealt with the incident are being offered "specialist support".