Tiger Attack Kills William Chapman at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

William Chapman was killed after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, where the Amur tiger Altai attacked him and he was pronounced dead at the scene, according to South Yorkshire Police. The incident happened while he was visiting the park alone.

South Yorkshire Police said Chapman's family was aware and receiving support from specialist officers. The park was evacuated after the attack and remained closed while investigations continued.

An eyewitness described seeing Chapman near the enclosure before he entered it and said he was wearing headphones.

"pacing around" was said by an eyewitness.

According to eyewitness accounts, Chapman appeared to climb down from a walkway before entering the enclosure. The investigation is examining how he accessed the area.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park expressed sympathy for Chapman's family and confirmed that Altai remained in the enclosure and would not be euthanized.

"thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" said Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

City of Doncaster Council launched a health and safety investigation as the licensing authority for the park. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council, provided a statement on the review.

"As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation." said Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council.

Swaine said the council was working with multiple agencies, including police and health agencies, while supporting the wildlife park after the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred this weekend and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with everyone involved, including the family and loved ones of the person who tragically lost their life, those that witnessed the incident and the staff involved at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, as well as the emergency services who provided a swift response." said Dan Swaine, executive director of place at City of Doncaster Council.

The Born Free Foundation called for an urgent review of enclosure access procedures after the death. The organization campaigns to phase out zoos.

"urgent review" said a spokesperson for the Born Free Foundation.

The spokesperson also called for examination of the circumstances surrounding the entry into the enclosure.

"how the man managed to enter the enclosure and what happened next" said a spokesperson for the Born Free Foundation.

Dr Campbell Murn, a former member of the government's zoo expert committee and lecturer at the University of Reading, said determined people can sometimes bypass security measures at animal facilities.

"I view it in the same way a determined thief will get into somebody's house or somebody's car and despite the best security systems and enclosures sometimes these things happen" said Dr Campbell Murn, lecturer at the University of Reading.

Witnesses also described Chapman's behavior before the attack, including claims that he appeared to "bow down" to the tiger and was seen "dancing" before entering the enclosure.

Other witness accounts referenced gestures toward the animal, with some interpreting them as saying "no!" and others as a sign meaning "bad!" in Makaton sign language.

Police and council investigations remained ongoing, with Yorkshire Wildlife Park closed following the fatal incident.