Yorkshire wildlife park confirms tiger won't be euthanized after man killed

A Yorkshire wildlife park has confirmed the tiger that killed a man who entered its enclosure will not be euthanized following the fatal attack. The facility, located near Doncaster, issued a statement on Sunday confirming the animal is "safe and well and will not be euthanised."

Police were called to the site at 1.35pm on Saturday after a man crossed into the tiger habitat. South Yorkshire police reported that the animal subsequently attacked him, causing serious injury. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park closed its gates on Sunday. Management said the team was deeply affected and will receive specialist support. Officials also offered condolences to the man's family.

Visitors on site described a sudden and chaotic evacuation. One person said they saw the man happily enjoying his visit and asking a stranger to take a photo with the tiger in the background. Another visitor described the park evacuation as frightening and confusing. "At first, we were all scared and confused because we had no idea what was going on. Different routes had been closed off, and staff were positioned around the park directing visitors where to go," the visitor said.

Ed Miliband, the foreign secretary and MP for Doncaster North, expressed his sorrow over the event. He also thanked emergency responders for their quick action. Police are supporting the man's family and asked the public to stop sharing graphic videos online.

The facility opened in 2009. The tiger attraction launched in 2011 on a 2-acre reserve. Amur tigers remain critically endangered, with experts estimating only about 500 survive in the wild.