Yorkshire Wildlife Park has reopened to visitors following the death of a man who entered the tiger enclosure. The announcement came during Friday's BBC Breakfast, presented by Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt, a day after an inquest opened at Doncaster Coroners' Court into the death of 24-year-old William Chapman.
Park Reopens With Safety Statement
Naga Munchetty told viewers: "In a statement the park said the safety of visitors, staff and animals remain the highest priority." Correspondent Tim Muffett reported: "Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen today including the land of the tiger enclosure."
In a statement, the park said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the families, 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."
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were contacted shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday, October 10, when Mr Chapman, who police said was visiting the park alone, entered the tiger enclosure. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inquest heard that Mr Chapman had climbed two fences to get into the enclosure and had a history of mental illness, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and had suffered bouts of psychosis.
Tiger's Welfare and Next Steps
Tim Muffett added that the five-year-old Siberian tiger Altai, involved in the attack, was safe and well and would not be euthanised as a result of the incident. The park said his ongoing welfare was a priority for its animal care team.
Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Health Trust, responsible for Mr Chapman's care, has commissioned an independent patient safety incident investigation. A full inquest into his death will be held next March.
Following his death, it emerged that Mr Chapman was a former child actor who appeared in shows on BBC and ITV, including the ITV production May Contain Nuts and the BBC series True Stories.
