William Chapman, believed to be in his early 20s, filmed himself walking towards the Amur tiger that later mauled him to death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. The footage, posted to his social media, shows him approaching the 200kg (31st) endangered big cat as it rested on a wooden platform.
Footage shows approach and attack
In the video, William's heavy breathing can be heard while onlookers outside cry: "Oh my god." Moments later, he was mauled by the tiger. Staff had fired shots in a bid to scare the tiger, named Altai, away, and an air ambulance responded, but they were unable to save him. William was declared dead at the scene.
William had been on a solo trip to the zoo and was described as "happy" and "dancing" by other visitors. Witnesses said he had been on the bridge overlooking the enclosure and was "dancing happily with his AirPods in" as he watched the tigers with a group of around 15 to 20 people.
Witness accounts
Speaking to our sister title, one visitor said: "He obviously wasn't with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. Probably the last photo on his phone. I'm not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger."
Others described how a mum visiting the park had tried in vain to stop him from climbing into the enclosure as she "wasn't strong enough". University graduate Anthony Hunt, 22, was visiting the zoo with his partner Scarlet Hogan, 21, a pharmacy worker. He said William appeared to be "praying and bowing down to the tiger" before the mauling. Anthony said the man "started to fight back and screamed," and added: "It was like he was just detached from reality." The last thing we saw was the tiger was on his neck.
Expert reaction and park response
Expert animal keeper Reece Oliver said William "stood no chance" of survival when he entered the enclosure on Saturday. Speaking to Sky News, he said: "You can't say the tiger was being malice. But what we have to think is, the tiger is 200 kilos. If it really wanted to kill him, it could've probably killed him in ten seconds. I don't think it knew what it was going to do, because the only thing that goes into that enclosure normally, would be enrichment toys or food. So I think he was probably just playing, using his predatory instinct, seeing what it was - and unfortunately, it ended up being a fatal attack."
The park was evacuated following the tragedy and has remained closed since. A health and safety investigation by City of Doncaster Council is now underway. Yorkshire Wildlife Park has since confirmed Altai will not be euthanised as a result of the incident, but the site will remain closed for a number of days. In a statement released on Sunday, October 11, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life. Many, many people have 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."
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday, October 10) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury. Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time."
