William Chapman Dies in Yorkshire Wildlife Park Tiger Attack

A man who entered a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been identified as William Chapman, who was killed by the Amur tiger Altai during the incident at the Doncaster attraction. Emergency services attended shortly after 1.30pm on Oct 10, and police said he was visiting the park alone.

South Yorkshire Police said Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene after entering the enclosure. The park was closed while authorities continued investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Footage shared on social media showed Chapman inside the tiger pen before the attack. The video appeared to capture his approach toward the animal, while people nearby reacted as the situation unfolded.

Visitors could be heard reacting with "oh my god" in footage recorded before the fatal incident.

Previous footage from the attack showed Chapman crying "no, no" and later screaming "stop" while pointing toward the tiger.

The footage also led to discussion about Chapman's hand gesture during the attack, which some suggested could have represented "bad" in Makaton, a communication system used by some people with learning disabilities.

Visitor Anthony Hunt, who was at the park with his girlfriend Scarlett Hogan, described seeing Chapman enter the enclosure area and said another visitor attempted to intervene.

"He overpowered her and jumped off. She seemed really frightened," said Anthony Hunt, a visitor to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Hunt said he later spoke with the woman who tried to stop Chapman from entering the enclosure.

"I tried to pull him back." Hunt quoted the woman as saying.

"But I guess she didn’t want to risk her own life as well." Hunt quoted the woman as saying.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park said the Amur tiger named Altai would not be euthanised following the incident. The park confirmed the animal was safe after many people contacted the attraction.

"many people" contacted Yorkshire Wildlife Park about Altai after the incident.

"safe and well" described the status of Altai, according to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Doncaster council, which licenses Yorkshire Wildlife Park, launched a health and safety investigation after the death. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at Doncaster council, outlined the authority’s response.

"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 Doncaster council.

The council said it was coordinating with police and health agencies while supporting the wildlife park after the incident.

"We are also working with multiple agencies, including the police and health agencies, and are supporting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in response to the incident." said Dan Swaine, executive director of place at Doncaster council.

Dan Swaine also asked that people connected to the incident be given privacy during the investigation.

"We ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time." said Dan Swaine, executive director of place at Doncaster council.