Our thoughts remain with the man who died, his family and those close to him following the incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday 10 October 2026.

We recognise that people who witnessed the incident, or who were otherwise affected by what happened, may have different support and information needs.

People can respond in different ways, and support may be helpful immediately or later.

In these early days it’s important to nurture yourself, talk about it if you want to, engage with normal life and focus on other things.

Parents, you need to look after yourself so that you can be available to support your children. Please be aware of communications across social media or within peer groups which may not be helpful.

Information and support

The leaflet below provides information on how you may expect to feel in the days and months ahead, and to help you understand and have more control over your experience. 

Coping with stress following a major incident - nhs_trauma_leaflet.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk) 

Seven tips on how to help your child discuss and understand upsetting news is available through this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zqkfb7h 

The RDaSH Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) helps children, young people, and families with emotional wellbeing and mental health issues. Find out more about the service and how to contact them on the RDaSH website: Child and adolescent mental health service camhs.

RDaSH Talking Therapies support

Talking Therapies offers free, confidential talking therapy treatment for anxiety and depression and is available for those over the age of 18. If you live in Doncaster, Rotherham and North Lincolnshire you can access Talking Therapies support on 03000 211 556.

You can also self-refer online at the NHS Talking Therapies service.

If you live in another part of South Yorkshire you can access Talking Therapies support in your area at:

Sheffield -  https://www.sheffieldtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/

Barnsley - NHS Barnsley Talking Therapies

Outside of South Yorkshire - If you live outside South Yorkshire, visit the NHS website to find out how to access Talking Therapies services where you live, NHS website Talking Therapies.

Colleagues from Talking Therapies will be available at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park on Saturday 17 October between 11am and 1pm for people who would like to find out more about the Talking Therapies service. You will be able to find them in the Hive area, before entering the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. More details to follow.

Alternatively, you can visit The Dome between 2pm and 4pm to speak with colleagues from the Talking Therapies service about what the service can offer. Please enter The Dome via the main entrance and go to the welcome desk.

If further support is required after four weeks 

Most people will naturally recover from this experience within a few weeks however if you are still experiencing difficulties after three to four weeks, you may wish to seek help or support. Locally there are many resources for people seeking help and support after a traumatic incident. These include: 

For children: 

Specific services for young people: if you think that your child doesn’t adjust, please seek advice from you General Practitioner (GP) as there are specialist services for Children and Young people available from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

For adults: 

In Doncaster, Rotherham and North Lincolnshire: 

Mental Health and Talking Therapies Services for those over the age of 18 - Doncaster call – 03000 211556            Rotherham call – 03000 215108 North Lincolnshire – 03000 216165 

You can self-refer online at NHS Talking Therapies – Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and in Doncaster: https://www.donnydot.co.uk/ 

In Sheffield: 

Sheffield Support Hub offers free mental health support in a welcoming, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. https://www.sheffieldmentalhealth.co.uk/services/sheffield-support-hub 

In Barnsley:  

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/adult-social-care/help-with-your-mental-health/  

Across South Yorkshire, HOPE provides free and unlimited support to people bereaved or affected by traumatic events www.hope-sy.co.uk