Yorkshire Wildlife Park Tiger Attack Victim Asked For 'One More' Photo Shortly Before Entering Enclosure

A man who died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park is reported to have asked visitors to take 'one more' photograph of him shortly before he entered the animal's enclosure, as police continue to investigate how the incident unfolded.

The man died on Saturday, 10 October, after entering the tiger enclosure at the wildlife attraction near Doncaster. New eyewitness accounts have described his final minutes, including reports that he had been dancing and posing for photographs with the tiger in the background.

Witness Says Visitor Was Dancing Before Fatal Tiger Mauling

An eyewitness who reportedly saw the man approximately 20 minutes before the attack described him dancing on a bridge overlooking the tiger enclosure, wearing AirPods and appearing to enjoy watching the animal.

'The man who I saw on the bridge with his AirPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger,' the witness recalled.

She said the man appeared to be alone and had approached a stranger to ask for a photograph with the tiger in the background.

A separate account circulating on social media claimed the man had approached a couple for several photographs before asking for 'one more' as he appeared to move towards the enclosure.

The precise sequence of events surrounding the photographs has not been independently confirmed by police.

Reflecting on the encounter, the eyewitness suggested the man may have wanted to interact with the animal.

'I'm not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger,' she said.

However, authorities have not established why the man entered the enclosure.

Timeline of the Attack at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that officers received reports of a man entering the tiger enclosure at approximately 1.35pm BST on Saturday.

The tiger subsequently attacked him, causing serious injuries.

Emergency services, including ambulances, an air ambulance and a doctor, were dispatched to the wildlife park. Despite attempts by medical personnel to save him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police confirmed that his family had been informed and was receiving support from specialist officers.

The incident prompted an emergency response and the evacuation of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with visitors instructed to leave the attraction.

One visitor, Karmelle Pelham, 39, from Worksop, told the BBC she heard what sounded like 'gunshots' and saw an air ambulance circling overhead.

She also recalled seeing a large black tarpaulin covering the tiger enclosure.

Pelham praised park staff for organising the evacuation.

Tiger Remained in Enclosure After Attack

Following the incident, speculation circulated online about the tiger's condition.

However, South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the animal was unharmed and remained inside its enclosure.

Authorities also reassured the public that there was no wider risk following the attack.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said its emergency response procedures had been activated immediately and that it was cooperating with authorities to determine what happened.

'Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life,' the park said in a statement.

The attraction announced it would remain closed on Sunday, 11 October.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, while its Land of the Tigers attraction opened in 2011. The purpose-built, two-acre reserve houses endangered Amur tigers.

The enclosure features elevated visitor walkways and fencing separating the public from the area where the animals roam.

Police Appeal Over Sharing of Tiger Attack Footage

Footage reportedly showing the tiger attacking the man has circulated across social media platforms since Saturday's incident.

South Yorkshire Police have urged people not to distribute the videos, describing the footage as distressing.

'We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage,' the force said.

While eyewitness accounts have offered further details about the man's behaviour before the attack, the circumstances surrounding his entry into the enclosure remain subject to police enquiries.