A man who was killed after entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Doncaster has been formally identified as William Chapman.
Fatal incident in Tiger enclosure
Emergency services were called to the popular wildlife attraction shortly after 1:30 pm on Saturday after Mr Chapman scaled a barrier and climbed down from a raised visitor walkway into the tiger habitat. He walked directly toward a 200kg male Amur tiger named Altai and was fatally attacked.
Paramedics including air ambulance personnel responded immediately but Mr Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. Visitors were evacuated as staff rushed to secure the area.
Official investigation and park response
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Mr Chapman was visiting the park alone. His family has been notified and is currently receiving support from specialist officers.
The City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation alongside local authorities to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
Yorkshire Wildfire Park confirmed that Altai, the rare Siberian tiger involved in the incident, is safe and will not be euthanized. Park officials expressed deep sympathy for the victim’s family while offering specialist support to trauma-affected staff members.
