A man who died after being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been identified as William Chapman, according to reports from the BBC and the Daily Mail. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at the family attraction near Doncaster, following reports that a man had entered the tiger enclosure.
Witnesses describe the attack
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the tiger pounce on the man from its landing point. The man, who was visiting the park alone, is said to have entered the enclosure wearing headphones after pacing nearby. Witnesses claimed he appeared to be dancing to 'psyche himself up' moments before the attack.
In since-deleted social media footage, the man was seen filming himself as he walked towards Altai, a five-year-old endangered Amur tiger resting on its platform. He could be heard breathing heavily while other visitors shouted and cried 'oh my God' in the background. When the tiger attacked, the man screamed 'stop' and 'no' and appeared to gesture using what is believed to be sign language, according to the Daily Mail.
Park response and police statement
Park rangers reportedly fired warning shots to drive the 400lbs tiger away. Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that Altai will not be euthanised following the incident. South Yorkshire Police said: '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. Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.'
