William Chapman, the man mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, filmed himself walking towards the animal moments before the fatal attack. The footage, posted to his social media, shows him approaching the 200kg (31st) Amur tiger as it rested on a wooden platform inside the enclosure.
Fatal Encounter at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at the park near Doncaster. Visitors, including families with children, watched in horror as some urged him to "play dead." Staff fired shots in a desperate attempt to scare the tiger away, and an air ambulance was deployed, but Mr Chapman, thought to be in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 1.30pm.
In the video, his heavy breathing can be heard as onlookers outside cry: "Oh my god." Moments later, the man, described as "happy" and "dancing" during his solo visit to the zoo, was mauled by the endangered big cat, named Altai.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
Witnesses told how Mr Chapman was seen on the bridge overlooking the enclosure "dancing happily with his AirPods in" as he watched the tigers with a group of around 15 to 20 people. One visitor said he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background, adding: "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."
The park was swiftly evacuated and remained closed for days after the tragedy, with a health and safety investigation by City of Doncaster Council now underway.
Expert Analysis and Park Response
Expert animal keeper Reece Oliver said Mr Chapman "stood no chance" of survival when he entered the enclosure. "You can't say the tiger was being malice," Oliver told Sky News. "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 confirmed that the tiger will not be euthanised following the incident but the site remains closed for the fourth day in a row. "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident," the park said in a statement on Sunday. "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."
South Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) 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."
