The park’s enclosure was breached when a visitor slipped into the tiger’s habitat on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, and Altai lunged, biting the man into the chest and leaving him in critical condition.
South Yorkshire Police said the tiger attacked after the visitor entered the enclosure, but the officer response was delayed by the crowd’s panic; the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Park spokesperson Emily Henshaw tweeted, "Altai remains safe and will not be euthanised. We are deeply saddened by the loss and are working closely with the victim’s family."
Staff members were sent to counseling, and the park will shut its gates for the rest of the day. Residents in the area reported seeing police and an ambulance near the enclosure, adding to the chaos.
The victim’s family, who gathered outside the park, spoke quietly to the press about their grief and the need for better safety measures.