Yorkshire Wildlife Park in England remains closed today (12 October) as investigations continue into the death of a man who was attacked by a tiger after entering the animal's enclosure 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).
South Yorkshire Police said the man died at the scene and his family were being supported by officers.
"We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this distressing footage," the force said in a statement.
In a separate statement, Yorkshire Wildlife Park said its "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life".
The park was closed over the weekend "while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support", it said.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park also confirmed that the tiger, named Altai, "is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident".
In a new statement, the park said it will be closed today "whilst we are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened".
Tiger is "safe and well"
"The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority," it added.
Speaking 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, discussed the challenges of maintaining public safety in UK zoos while allowing guests to experience animals up close.
"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).
"One of the fundamental approaches of a modern zoo is to give people a wildlife experience and keep them safe so they can learn and they can enjoy being near the animals, but keeping a safety distance that is relevant but not making it too heavy handed."
