A wildlife biologist has described the Amur tiger that killed a man at Yorkshire Wildlife Park as "one of the scariest, apex predators in the world." William Chapman, 23, was mauled to death after entering the tiger enclosure at the park in Doncaster on Saturday, October 10.
Expert comments on the attack
Rosie Moore, a wildlife biologist, called the incident a "tragic situation" but noted that even though the Amur tiger, named Altai, was raised in captivity, he is still a tiger. She told Fox News: "A Siberian tiger is one of the scariest, apex predators in the world."
Responding to comments that video of the attack appeared to show the beast "playing" with Mr Chapman, Ms Moore said: "These tigers [weigh] up to 600 pounds and are raised in some of the harshest environments in the world."
Asked what zoo staff can do when a member of the public enters an enclosure, the biologist told Fox News: "Typically, they'll immediately enact an emergency protocol which would involve euthanasia, but some of these attacks happen so quickly and are so unexpected that there's only so much you can do."
Zoo safety measures praised
The expert said she agreed with the zoo's decision not to have the tiger put down, adding: "Obviously, because it doesn't pose a threat to public safety or other people."
On whether enclosures need to be more secure, Ms Moore said: "From what I've heard, the safety measures at this zoo are actually incredible." She added: "The thing is that here now we're talking about keeping people out from the tigers instead of keeping tigers away from the people. Overall, there's only so much you can do there."
Family tribute and investigation
Ms Moore's comments came as Mr Chapman's family paid tribute and described media content published online as "deeply offensive." They said in a statement: "The family are utterly devastated by their loss and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened."
They added: "The publication and circulation of deeply offensive media content is causing them severe distress at an exceptionally vulnerable time. We ask people to stop doing this. The family are hopeful that the relevant authorities will do their upmost to get to the bottom of why our amazing son did what he did."
The family also said: "William was a bright, warm and engaging young man whom his family dearly loved – and William loved them back. Sadly, William suffered from significant mental illness over a number of years and was consequently prescribed strong medication. It will be for the coroner to decide what part this played in his death. We would ask everybody to respect that process."
The family's statement was issued on the same day US President Donald Trump reposted a widely shared video of the incident. Mr Trump accompanied the short clip – which showed the animal biting and clawing Mr Chapman as he sat in the enclosure, but not him being killed – with the signed message: "Don’t ever mess with nature!"
On Wednesday morning, Mr Trump followed this up with another post – this time an AI-generated video of him grappling with a tiger, which appears to mimic the original. The clip, which is accompanied by the Tight Fit hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, features the president copying the pointing gesture made by Mr Chapman, and ends with him hugging the animal.
City of Doncaster Council, which is responsible for licensing the park, said on Monday it had started a health and safety investigation. Dan Swaine, executive director of place at the council, said: "As the relevant licensing authority for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, I can confirm that, in line with our statutory duties, the council has launched a health and safety investigation."
He added: "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."
In a previous statement on social media, the wildlife park said "many, many people" had contacted them about Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and it confirmed he is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised.
