Witnesses have described the harrowing final moments of a man who entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and was fatally mauled, as he appeared to 'bow down' to the animal. The man was killed by one of the tigers after he climbed into the enclosure on Saturday, October 10.
A video circulating on Facebook shows the man seated beside a tiger at the attraction, being bitten and clawed at in disturbing scenes, as he seemingly attempts to communicate with the animal. Anthony Hunt, 22, a university graduate, and Scarlet Hogan, 21, a pharmacy worker, were enjoying a day out when the tragedy unfolded.
Witnesses describe 'praying' and 'bowing' before the attack
Ms Hogan recounted that the man appeared to take selfies before 'getting on the floor and starting to pray' after entering the enclosure. Hunt added: "It looked like a performance."
"He got down where everyone could see him in the main viewing area. He was on all fours, praying and bowing down to the tiger. It was like he was waiting for the tiger."
Hunt further described how the man gestured towards the tiger in his final moments, saying: "He had his arms wide open like he was saying: 'Come here, tiger. Kill me.' Then the tiger came and started to attack him."
Emergency response and police statement
"He started to fight back and screamed. It was like he was just detached from reality. The last thing we saw was the tiger on his neck." Mr Hunt said: "I have never frozen before in my life, but I just froze."
The emergency services were alerted to the incident at 1.35pm on Saturday, with an air ambulance alongside two ambulances in attendance. The park remained shut throughout the weekend following the tragic incident.
South Yorkshire Police issued a statement on Saturday evening. It 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."
No wider risk to the public
"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. Police have also urged people not to share the circulating footage online.
