Source : Perth Now news
Authorities have provided an update on the tiger that killed a man at a UK zoo.
Emergency services were called after the man entered the enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and was mauled by the tiger on Saturday afternoon.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Man dies after jumping into tiger enclosure at UK zoo
Paramedics and a medical helicopter attended the scene, however despite best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, South Yorkshire Police said.
The park was evacuated and would stay shut for the remainder of the weekend, they said.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said in a statement on Sunday that the tiger, named Altai, will not be put down.
“Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger,” the park said.
“We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident.”
Witnesses recount man’s last moments
A witness at the park told the Mail on Sunday the man had been dancing with his AirPods in before climbing into the enclosure, and say he appeared to be “psyching himself up”.
“The man who I saw on the bridge with his AirPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger,” another witness told The Mirror.
“He obviously wasn’t with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background.
“Probably the last photo on his phone. 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.”
Another witness recalled hearing four gun shots before being asked to leave the park.
Other visitors at the park at the time of the attack said the incident was over within minutes.
The park confirmed on social media that staff members were “deeply affected by the events” and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in 2009, with the Land Of The Tigers attraction opening in 2011.
Built on a two-acre reserve, the attraction holds Amur tigers, an endangered subspecies with around 500 left in the wild.
Police said they are aware of footage of the fatal mauling circulating online and have asked people not to share it.
