Harrowing details have emerged of the moments before a man leapt into a tiger enclosure at a UK zoo and was mauled to death.
Families watched in horror as the man, believed to be in his 20s, was fatally attacked by a Siberian tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday afternoon.
One witness told the Daily Mail the man appeared agitated as he “psyched himself up” and performed a “dance” in the spectator area.
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A short time later, he scaled the fence of the animal’s enclosure and jumped in.
Confronting footage circulating online appeared to show the 190kg tiger, named Altai, circling the man on the grass before attacking him and shaking him violently.
The victim, who has not yet been named, could be heard yelling ”no, no” during the terrifying ordeal.
Zoo keepers desperately tried to intervene as police and ambulance crews raced to scene.
Paramedics carrying blood transfusion kits were seen attempting to save the man’s life, according to Daily Mail.
In a tragic development, South Yorkshire Police later confirmed that man had died from his injuries.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury,” the force said.
“Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The man’s family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.”
A statement posted on the wildlife park’s social media channels reads: “We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated and emergency services are currently attending the scene.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
