Mum 'tried to save man from jumping into tiger enclosure' as harrowing final moments revealed
A mum who says she tried to save a man from jumping into the tiger enclosure before a horror incident at a wildlife park has spoken out about the ordeal.
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on 10 October when a man had entered the enclosure at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police have said, with the park still remaining closed amid investigations.
Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger named Altai in the enclosure at the park, near Doncaster.
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The park said 'many, many people' had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised.
Visitors who were observing the big cats later revealed how panic ensued as they watched the man grapple with the tiger.
A video appears to show the victim sat next to the tiger before being clawed at as he appeared to try and communicate with the animal and was heard shouting "Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop."
One witness told LADbible they saw 'staff running around' frantically and ushering people towards the exit, 'but wouldn't say anything about why'.
Now, witnesses have told how a mum tried to save the man from jumping into the enclosure.
Eyewitnesses claimed the victim, who has not been named, posed for a photo with the big cat in the background moments before jumping in from a viewing platform.
Anthony Hunt and his girlfriend Scarlet Hogan, who were visiting the park on Saturday, told The Telegraph that a woman with two children 'desperately tried to pull back' the man as he tried to get into the compound.
“He overpowered her and jumped off. She seemed really frightened," Hunt told the publication. “We spoke to her after and she was like, ‘I tried to pull him back’ but I guess she didn’t want to risk her own life as well."
Hogan added: “The man started praying to the tiger, bowing down to it – the tiger looked a bit confused.
“Up until he got attacked, it was like he was in a trance, not in reality at all. We were just stood there, frozen."
One animal expert later shared a theory that the tiger did not mean to kill the man initially and that it appeared as though it was 'playing' with him.
Park remains closed after tiger attack
It was understood the wildlife park would reopen on Monday (12 October) after it was evacuated following the incident and remained closed on Sunday.
But in a message sent to ticketholders on Monday morning, the park said: “Due to the serious incident that occurred at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, the 10th of October, unfortunately the park remains closed for the whole of Monday, the 12th October.
“Anyone with a booking for this date will be contacted within the next five working days with details of how to reschedule your booking.
“We apologise for the late notice any inconvenience caused.”
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said people had contacted them about Altai before it was confirmed he is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised following the incident.
It added that members of park staff were 'deeply affected' by the incident and receiving specialist support.
South Yorkshire Police meanwhile said it is aware of the footage of the attack online and asked people not to share it.
A spokesperson previously said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) 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.
"Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage."
Topics: UK News
James Holt