An Express reporter was among the first visitors through the gates of Yorkshire Wildlife Park when it reopened six days after the death of William Chapman. The 150-acre zoo near Doncaster was eerily silent at 9.45am on Friday, October 16, as guests were welcomed back.
Quiet reopening and security presence
Chris Riches described staff as polite and appearing genuinely thankful for the footfall, possibly concerned that the tragedy's global reach - which prompted cruel memes from US President Donald Trump - might discourage visitors. He and photographer Andy Stenning made a 10-minute walk to the tiger enclosure at the heart of the grounds.
Contrary to expectations, the two-acre 'Land of the Tigers' enclosure was not shut. Security staff were positioned along the wooden walkway overlooking the twin tiger enclosures - one containing five-year-old male Altai, the other housing older female Tschuna, a resident since 2013. The quartet of guards monitored the walkway while Altai prowled within the perimeter.
Examining the enclosure's access point
Chris moved towards the spot where Chapman is believed to have entered the enclosure. He noted that beyond the significant height, it seemed less challenging than expected. The walkway runs along the front of the two adjacent enclosures, raising visitors roughly four metres off the ground. A one-metre-high wooden barrier tops the walkway, with a five-metre-high metal perimeter fence ahead at a 45-degree angle, featuring a single electrified strip near the top.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, South Yorkshire Police, health and safety authorities and Doncaster Coroners' Court are investigating standards at the attraction following the incident. They will examine how and why Chapman gained access.
Altai's appearance and visitor numbers
Altai stepped out from his indoor quarters with a slab of raw meat in his jaws. Chris described him as a "massive and profoundly intimidating" animal. Only a handful of visitors were present, though hundreds had been anticipated. Trump faced widespread criticism for an AI-generated video depicting him wrestling with a tiger.
"Standing before both tigers this morning, one cannot help but admire these magnificent apex predators," Chris said. "While simultaneously feeling a chill of unease when pondering the disturbing question: 'just what made Chapman do what he did?'"
