Yorkshire Wildlife Park is staying shut today after a man was killed when he entered a tiger enclosure and was attacked, prompting an emergency response and an evacuation of the Doncaster-area attraction.
Emergency services were called shortly after 1.30pm yesterday following reports that a man had gone into the enclosure and was set upon by a tiger.
South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said the man was pronounced dead at the scene and that his family had been informed.
Videos circulating online appear to show a man being pawed at and grappled by a tiger inside an enclosure at the park, near Doncaster.
Police said the tiger was not harmed and stayed inside the enclosure after the incident.
The park was evacuated soon afterwards, and later confirmed it would remain closed today.
In an update issued yesterday, a police spokesperson said: “At 1.35pm 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.
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— Yorkshire Wildlife Park (@YorkshireWP) October 10, 2026
“The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time,” the spokesperson added.
“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,” they said.
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service spokesperson said two land ambulances, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and a doctor were sent to the scene.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with its Land of the Tigers attraction launching in 2011.
The tiger habitat is a purpose-built two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Images of the enclosure on the park’s website show a raised visitor walkway and fencing above the area where the tigers are able to roam.
In a statement issued after the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park said: “The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority.”
“The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow,” it added.
Tickets remain on sale for entry to the park from Monday onwards.
South Yorkshire Police said it was aware of the footage circulating online and urged people not to share it.
