Experts have backed Yorkshire Wildlife Park to survive after a tiger fatally attacked a man last weekend. William Chapman, 23, was killed after climbing into the tiger enclosure on Saturday where he reportedly appeared to try and communicate with the animal before it pounced and began mauling him.
Family's tribute and inquest findings
Mr Chapman's family said he had "significant mental illness" and said footage of the incident being shared online had caused "significant distress." His family described him as "a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved - and William loved them back." An inquest into the killing found that he died from "multiple traumatic injuries" following the attack by Altai, an endangered Amur tiger.
An investigation is ongoing and no motive has been released, but Mr Chapman had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had suffered from psychosis in the past. The park was evacuated following the incident and remained closed until today (Friday) when it reopened. However fresh concerns have been raised over the future of the zoo.
Expert view on long-term impact
David Hone, a zoologist from Queen Mary University of London, explained that incidents like this can impact zoo visitor numbers, saying: "I'm sure in the short-term people will stay away." He added that this is normally already a quiet period for zoos, and that the incident could affect the park over half-term.
Despite being closed for almost five days following the incident, Dr Hone said: "I would be surprised if this had a major long-term effect - if an animal had escaped that would be a very, very different thing." Commenting on Saturday's attack, he added: "It's a tragic loss of life but its not like the public are unsafe."
When asked whether the zoo would have to improve their safety, Dr Hone said: "There is only so much you can do to keep people safe in an environment where they are fundamentally expected to not do things that are dangerous. At what point is the expectation that we have to bar and shutter and lock and put nets and ropes and signs up over every square inch of the world? You can't do that."
Comparisons with other zoos
Other zoos which have had similar incidents closed completely. South Lakes Safari Zoo was the scene of a tiger attack which left a trainer dead in 2013. Sarah McClay was killed after a tiger entered a keeper corridor through an accidently unlocked gate, and the zoo was later fined over £250,000.
But this incident was one of a series of incidents including multiple animal escapes at the Zoo, which eventually shut in 2024 after a number of claims were made about abuse and neglect of several animals.
Public support and reopening
Yorkshire Wildlife Park opened in Doncaster in 2009, and has hosted millions of visitors in the years since. The park is home to many animals, including rhinos, monkeys and even a polar bear. Following Saturday's incident it was quickly confirmed that Altai, the tiger involved, would not be put down, much to the relief of visitors.
Park regulars have taken to social media to express support for the business, with one writing in a public Facebook group: "We need to try and move past this. This doesn't mean that we have forgotten or don't care, it just means that any family members are not constantly being bombarded with images I'm sure they'd rather not see just now."
Another zoo enthusiast commented: "As much as everyone will want to get back to YWP (myself included) it may take considerable time while the necessary authorities carry out a thorough investigation into the weekend's tragic events."
Although the zoo itself was closed, the Hive business hub remained open and locals rallied to support them during its difficult period. Some online have also suggested purchasing an annual ticket or adopting an animal in order to continue supporting the zoo whilst it was shut.
When asked about the future of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Dan Swaine, executive director of place at Doncaster City Council, said: "The council has launched a health and safety investigation. 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.
"At this time, we won't be commenting further on the individual or the investigation and we ask that the privacy of those involved is respected at this difficult time," he added.
