A health and safety investigation has been launched into the death of a man who was killed by a tiger after entering its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park over the weekend.
The man, who has not yet been named, was seen entering a tiger habitat at the wildlife park before police were called on Saturday (10 October).
The park has remained closed since then, and the City of Doncaster Council has confirmed it is investigating the fatal incident.
Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the City of Doncaster Council, said (via the Independent): “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."
Council is "deeply saddened"
"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," he added.
"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."
Swaine said the council is "deeply saddened by the incident" and that its "thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved".
Yorkshire Wildlife Park previously confirmed that the tiger, named Altai, "is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident".
Wildlife park remains closed
South Yorkshire Police said the man died at the scene and his family were being supported by officers.
On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Campbell Murn, a former member of the government’s zoo expert committee and a lecturer at the University of Reading, spoke about public safety in UK zoos.
"I view it in the same way a determined thief will get into somebody's house or somebody's car and despite the best security systems and enclosures sometimes these things happen," he said (via the BBC).
