Tiger seen for first time since fatal attack as Yorkshire Wildlife Park re-opens to public
Visitors have returned to Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A zoo in Yorkshire has reopened its doors to the public nearly a week after a man was mauled by a tiger.
William Chapman, 24, died at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which is near Doncaster, last Saturday (October 10) after he climbed into the animal’s enclosure.
An inquest into his death has been opened and his cause of death was confirmed. It comes after his family paid tribute to him, remembering Mr Chapman as a “bright young man”.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park had been closed for nearly a week following the tragedy, but it flung open its doors once again on Friday (October 16).
Early visitors reported that the five-year-old male Siberian tiger involved in the incident, called Altai, was out in one of the enclosures, eating a meal while lying on top of a wooden platform.
A handful of visitors watched him from the raised wooden walkway, waiting for him to face them for photographs.
Announcing its re-opening, a spokesperson for the zoo said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family, friends and loved ones of William Chapman who sadly lost his life.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff team and animals remain our highest priority.
We would like to thank all the people who have emailed, commented on our social media or contacted us with messages of support and love for our team at this time.
“Many, many people also contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident. His ongoing welfare at YWP remains a priority of our experienced animal care team.”
The statement continued: “The Park, including Land of the Tiger, reopens to visitors following engagement with the relevant authorities. We continue to assist South Yorkshire Police and other relevant agencies with their ongoing enquiries into the circumstances of this tragic incident.
“As we welcome visitors back, we would ask everyone to be understanding and respectful towards our staff team, who have shown tremendous professionalism and dedication during an exceptionally difficult time. We are providing specialist trauma support and ongoing care for those affected.
“As enquiries remain ongoing, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further on circumstances at this time.
“We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support during this difficult period, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Park.”
Altai arrived at YWP in 2025 from a Norwegian zoo, as part of a global conservation project.
He lives with the female, Tschuna, who came to Doncaster in 2013.
Land of the Tigers is a two-acre enclosure which features woods and a waterfall pool.
The two tigers are usually kept in separate enclosures.
On Friday, Tschuna was in the enclosure where Mr Chapman was attacked, with Altai in the next door area.
Both are flanked by a 300m long walkway which gives visitors an elevated view of the Siberian tigers, which are also known as Amur tigers and are the world’s largest cats.