Visitors return to Yorkshire Wildlife Park six days after man killed by tiger

On October 10, 2026, William Chapman, a 24-year-old man with schizophrenia, died after entering the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster, England. Emergency services were called at approximately 13:35 BST; despite medical intervention, Chapman died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained during the attack by an Amur tiger named Altai. The park and local authorities stated that the tiger remained unharmed inside its enclosure throughout the incident.

The wildlife park closed immediately following the tragedy but reopened on October 16, six days later. During this time, an inquest was held where it emerged Chapman had a history of mental illness with previous psychotic episodes. His family raised concerns about his interactions with mental health services leading up to the fatal event. The tiger involved in the attack, Altai, remains at the park and has not been euthanized; he appeared well-rested on Friday as visitors returned to the reopened facility.

Visitors were seen queuing outside Yorkshire Wildlife Park on its reopening day, offering support to staff who had experienced a difficult week. Zookeepers confirmed that Altai was doing fine, with some visitors taking photos from the raised wooden walkway while the tiger rested in his enclosure.