Carole Baskin, known for her appearance in the 2020 Netflix documentary "Tiger King," has spoken out following a fatal incident involving a Siberian tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. A man in his early 20s died after entering the tiger enclosure on Saturday afternoon, prompting an ongoing investigation and closure of the park.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, the man was seen dancing on a raised viewing platform before asking a nearby visitor to take his photograph with the tiger, identified as Altai, a 30-stone Siberian tiger born in Norway. Moments later, he climbed over a one-meter-high balustrade and fell approximately 15 feet into the enclosure. The footage captured the man shouting “No, no, no” and pleading “Stop, stop, stop” as the tiger circled him before attacking, focusing on his neck. Attempts by bystanders to intervene or distract the animal were unsuccessful. A woman nearby was heard saying she tried to stop him, and another visitor called out to the tiger, but the attack continued.

Baskin, who founded the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary in Tampa, Florida, expressed her condolences to the victim’s family and those who witnessed the incident. She emphasized that the tiger, Altai, was acting naturally as a wild predator and should not be blamed for the fatal outcome. “We don’t yet know all the circumstances that led to this man’s death, and it would be wrong to speculate,” Baskin said. She added that no level of captivity or training can alter the inherent nature of a powerful wild animal like a tiger.

The park remains closed following the event, with visitors leaving flowers and tributes at the entrance. Angela Seivewright, a local passerby and annual pass holder, expressed surprise at the public’s negative reaction toward the man involved, noting the presence of anger and hostility among onlookers.

Authorities have confirmed Altai is unharmed and will not be euthanized. The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols in facilities housing dangerous wildlife and highlighted the risks posed when visitors breach enclosure boundaries. As of now, investigations continue into the specific circumstances leading up to the man’s entry into the enclosure.