A health and safety investigation has been sparked after a man was mauled to death by a tiger at a zoo over the weekend.
The City of Doncaster Council announced the probe after an unnamed individual was killed by the predator when he entered an enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday.
In a statement, the local authority’s Executive Director of Place Dan Swaine 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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
The zoo in Doncaster was initially expected to reopen this morning.
However, an abrupt change of plan forced the site to remain closed for the rest of today.
In a statement on social media, the zoo said: “Due to the events over the weekend, the park will remain closed today.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
In an earlier statement yesterday, the zoo said “many, many people” had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, confirming he is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.
It added members of staff were “deeply affected” by the tragic events and had received specialist support.
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Videos circulating online appear to show the man being pawed at and grappled in the tiger enclosure at the zoo.
South Yorkshire Police said it is aware of the footage and asked people not to share it on social media.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land of the Tigers attraction opening in 2011.
The attraction is a purpose-built, two-acre reserve for Amur tigers, which are an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Photographs of the enclosure on the park’s website show a high walkway for visitors and fencing above the section where the tigers can roam.
It is still unclear how the man entered the enclosure, or what the circumstances were surrounding his arrival in the tiger pen.
However, a separate clip appeared to show the man asking a couple for a photograph before he entered the tiger enclosure.
The man is heard asking: “Can you grab a shot of me with the tiger?”
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