Man Dies After Jumping Into Tiger Enclosure in Caught on Video Encounter

A man died after inexplicably jumping into a tiger enclosure at a wildlife park in northern England — where he apparently tried to reprimand the big cat after it bit him, according to authorities and video of the incident.

The bizarre incident unfolded Saturday afternoon after the man leapt into the tiger’s enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, a 150-acre facility that includes hundreds of animals, including bears and tigers.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed the man’s death in a social media post:

At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.

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.

Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries.

We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life,” a spokesperson for the park said, according to the BBC.

“We are working closely with the police and relevant authorities and would ask that the privacy of those affected is respected at this extremely difficult time. The park will remain closed tomorrow,” the spokesperson added.

The man was not publicly identified.

One expert told CNN authorities have to do a better job of making sure people know such animals are still dangerous.

“So many people look at animals in zoos and think that they’re pets or that they’re tame, or they’re some ways not wild. And people need to remember this. There’s an old saying that says you can take an animal out of the wild. You can never take the wild out of the animal,” wildlife photographer Ron Magill said on CNN.

“This was in no way the tiger’s fault,” he added.

Watch above via CNN.

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