A MAN who was mauled to death by a tiger reportedly asked the big cat to “stop being naughty” before its “eyes locked on him and it pounced.”
Eyewitnesses to the harrowing incident shouted at the young man to play dead after he leapt into the beast’s enclosure.
He reportedly didn’t understand them however and was telling the tiger to “stop being naughty” as it pawed at him.
Cops and paramedics were scrambled to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, just after 1.30pm on Saturday following reports that a “vulnerable” man had jumped into a tiger enclosure.
Hero keepers managed to frighten away Siberian tiger Altai away from the victim by firing gas-powered acoustic guns into the air causing the beast to retreat to a nearby shelter.
The big cat was then quickly secured but tragically the man was later declared dead at the scene.
Police have since confirmed that the man “vulnerable” man inexplicably jumped into the enclosure while visiting the park alone.
South Yorkshire Police said today: “It is not believed that the man who died at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park was being accompanied by anybody.”
He had reportedly posed for a photo with the big cat in the background just moments before tragedy struck.
It is thought he leapt from a viewing platform before big cat Altai dragged him away at Yorkshire Wildlife Park yesterday.
Anthony Hunt had been at the wildlife park with his girlfriend Scarlet when the horror unfolded.
He told Sky News: “We noticed the tiger’s behaviour change. Its eyes locked on to something in the enclosure.
“We thought maybe he’s getting fed. When Scarlett was taking photos – we suddenly saw in the camera lens that a guy had entered the enclosure.”
One witness to the horror recounted: “20 minutes before today’s tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat in the sunshine.
“The man who I saw on the bridge with his EarPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger.
“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.
“Tragic for the family. Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock. Thankfully the tiger survived.”
The park remains closed today as an investigation into the horror continues.
Animal keeper Reece Oliver told Sky News the 30-stone tiger was probably “just playing” when it began pawing at the man.
He said: “If it really wanted to kill him, it would have probably killed him within 10 seconds. I don’t think it knew what he was going to do, because the only thing that goes into that enclosure normally would be enrichment toys or food.
“So, I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was, what he was, and unfortunately it ended up being a fatal attack.”
A spokesman for the zoo confirmed the tiger was unharmed and there was no wider risk to the public, they added that the animal is not set to be put down.
City of Doncaster Council said today that it had launched a health and safety investigation into the death.
Dan Swaine, Executive Director of Place at City of Doncaster Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
South Yorkshire Police said at the time: “At 1.35pm on Saturday we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man.
“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.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park posted a statement saying: “Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated.
“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.”
Altai was brought to the park to mate with their only other tiger, a female Siberian called Tschuna.
Their enclosure is set in two acres of reserve and contains woodlands and a waterfall pool.