Yorkshire Wildlife Park has issued a fresh statement thanking visitors for their support after reopening, a week on from the tragic death of William Chapman, who was mauled by Amur tiger Altai after entering his enclosure near Doncaster.
The park, situated near Doncaster, expressed its gratitude in a post on X, accompanied by a photograph of a beaming family observing a lemur. The post read: "Thank you to everyone who visited today for your support and kind wishes!". Published at 5.30pm, the post has already garnered upwards of 5,000 likes.
Park reopens with Land of the Tiger attraction
The park flung open its gates to the public for the first time since Saturday's incident, with its "Land of the Tiger" attraction also resuming operations. The park had remained shut since the tragic event, which prompted the evacuation of members of the public.
A spokesperson commented: "Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family, friends and loved ones of William Chapman, who sadly lost his life."
Visitors see Altai in enclosure
Early visitors reported spotting the five year old male Siberian tiger involved, named Altai, out in one of the enclosures, tucking into a meal while perched atop a wooden platform, reports the Express. A small number of visitors observed him from the raised wooden walkway, waiting for the big cat to turn towards them for photographs, while a considerable contingent of park staff kept watch nearby.
Families capturing pictures of Altai expressed support for the park's reopening. One woman remarked: "It was just terrible what happened but it's got to open again at some point. I don't see how it helps anyone to keep the park shut."
Park confirms tiger safe and inquest begins
In an earlier social media statement, the park acknowledged that "many, many people" had reached out regarding Altai, confirming he was "safe and well" and would not be put down.
Chapman succumbed to "multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction" after entering the enclosure housing Altai. An inquest into Chapman's death commenced on Thursday in Doncaster, revealing he had a background of mental health issues and a schizophrenia diagnosis. The hearing at Doncaster Coroner's Court was informed he had experienced prior episodes of psychosis. Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes stated his relatives had raised "a number of concerns" regarding his engagement with mental health services.
