Everything we know about Altai the tiger

Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains closed today

On Saturday 10 October, a man died after entering a tiger enclosure at the wildlife park near Doncaster.

The man reportedly jumped into the enclosure at around 1.35pm, with witnesses claiming he was grabbed by one of the tigers. Emergency services attended the scene, but he was pronounced dead at the park.

The attraction closed early that afternoon as police and paramedics responded to the incident.

Altai the tiger

Altai the tiger. Image: Yorkshire Wildlife Park / SWNS.

Altai the tiger is a three-year-old male Amur tiger, also known as a Siberian tiger.

There are estimated to be around only 500 Amur tigers left in the wild.

He arrived at the park in February 2025 after being born in a zoo in Norway.

Altai’s previous keeper, Even Grønnerø said: “Altai is a nice and calm tiger. He loves his training, eating and especially enjoys playing in the water outside.”

He was moved to the park in Yorkshire to participate in an international conservation breeding programme, sharing the enclosure with Tschuna, a female Amur tiger who already lived at the park.

Meanwhile, ‘Tiger King’ star Carole Baskin has also weighed in on the incident, saying that no blame should fall on the tiger.

Baskin is the CEO of Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Florida and came to fame following a 2020 Netflix true-crime docuseries.

Speaking to The New York Post, Baskin said: “The tiger was not doing anything wrong by being a tiger. I am relieved to hear that the animal was not harmed.

“We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate.

“What we do know is that a tiger is a powerful wild predator, and no amount of captivity, training, or familiarity can change that.”

She offered her condolences to the family of the unnamed man who died after he was mauled by the big cat, saying: “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life today at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss, and my thoughts are also with those who witnessed this tragedy.”

The immediate aftermath

In the wake of the incident, the park released multiple statements confirming the news and saying they were "deeply saddened" by what had happened.

They also confirmed that Altai the tiger would not be euthanised and that he is safe and well.

The park also said that staff were receiving specialist support.

Latest developments

Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed in a statement today that the park would be remaining closed over the weekend due to "events over the weekend".

"Thank you for your understanding," it added.

A full statement read: "Due to the serious incident that occurred at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday, the 10th of October, unfortunately the park remains closed for the whole of Monday, the 12th October.

"Anyone with a booking for this date will be contacted within the next five working days with details of how to reschedule your booking.

"We apologise for the late notice and any inconvenience caused.

Meanwhile a number of eye-witness accounts have been shared in the last few hours.

One person told the The Mirror that a zoo keeper had attempted to hold back the man before he jumped around 12ft into the enclosure from a viewing bridge.

Another person testified to the paper that the man was seen "bowing" to the tiger and was "on all fours".

Part of the incident was captured in footage which has been circulating online, which police urged people not to share.

“We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage,” the force said.

Feature and social image credit: SWNS