Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopened its gates to the public for the first time since the fatal tiger attack that claimed the life of William Chapman, and has thanked visitors for their support. The park, located near Doncaster, expressed its gratitude in a post on X, sharing a photograph of a smiling family observing a lemur. The post read: "Thank you to everyone who visited today for your support and kind wishes!" The post, shared at 5.30pm this evening, has already garnered more than 5,000 likes.
Park reopens after tragedy
The park had remained closed since last Saturday's incident, which resulted in members of the public being evacuated. William Chapman lost his life after entering a tiger enclosure. A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family, friends and loved ones of William Chapman, who sadly lost his life."
The "Land of the Tiger" attraction also welcomed visitors once more, with early visitors reporting that the five-year-old male Siberian tiger involved, named Altai, was visible in one of the enclosures, eating a meal while resting atop a wooden platform, reports the Express.
Visitors observe Altai
A small number of visitors observed him from the raised wooden walkway, waiting for him to turn towards them for photographs, while a considerable number of park staff looked on. Families photographing Altai said it was right that the park had reopened. One woman said: "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."
In an earlier statement on social media, the park confirmed that "many, many people" had been in touch regarding Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the incident, and assured the public he was "safe and well" and would not be euthanised.
Inquest details
Chapman died of "multiple traumatic injuries and animal interaction" after entering the enclosure of Amur tiger Altai. An inquest into his death was opened on Thursday in Doncaster, where it emerged he had a history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The hearing at Doncaster Coroner's Court was told he had previously experienced episodes of psychosis. Coroner's officer Caitlin Brookes revealed that his family had raised "a number of concerns" regarding his engagement with mental health services.
