Inquest Opens Into Tiger Attack Death at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Fatal Enclosure Breach at Wildlife Park

William Chapman, a 24-year-old self-employed online trader from Doncaster, died after deliberately entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon. Chapman climbed two fences to access the pen containing an Amur tiger named Altai. Park staff secured the animal and paramedics arrived, but Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene. A coroner's inquest in Doncaster established that he died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained during physical contact with the tiger.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:30 p.m. and prompted immediate evacuation of the wildlife park. An eyewitness reported seeing Chapman wearing headphones and pacing near the enclosure before he entered. Mobile phone footage, believed recorded by Chapman himself, showed him approaching the tiger across grass inside the enclosure. The park has remained closed since the incident, with no reopening date confirmed.

Mental Health History and Family Concerns

Senior coroner Nicola Mundy revealed during the inquest opening that Chapman had a documented history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous episodes of psychosis. His family had raised concerns about his contact with Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust. At the time of his death, Chapman was under the care of adult mental health services in Doncaster, though he was characterized as highly functioning and independent with no active care requirements.

Following Chapman's death, the NHS trust launched an investigation into the family's concerns regarding his mental health services contact. A trust spokesperson declined to provide specific comments about whether Chapman used their services, citing confidentiality policies. The coroner's office is awaiting a more detailed report documenting the full extent of Chapman's injuries.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

The coroner adjourned the inquest proceedings until March 18, 2027, to allow for comprehensive investigation. Chapman's family chose not to attend the opening hearing. South Yorkshire Police provided witness statements from park visitors and staff who were present during the incident. Coroner Mundy instructed her office to contact Yorkshire Wildlife Park requesting preservation of all relevant CCTV footage and information about any previous visits Chapman may have made to the facility.

City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident. The park authorities confirmed that Altai, the Amur tiger involved in the attack, would not be euthanized and remained safely contained. Chapman was born in Chichester, West Sussex, and was living in Doncaster at the time of his death.