Yorkshire Zoo tiger spotted for first time since mauling man to death as visitors queue to see Altai

Emergency services were called at approximately 1.35pm, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tiger, named Altai, was spotted today resting in the shade before being fed a large piece of meat by a keeper when the Doncaster attraction welcomed guests back this morning.

The park’s Land of the Tigers exhibit reopened, with visitors gathering on the raised viewing platform to watch the animals as keepers and staff were asked to treat visitors with care and understanding after the tragedy.

One keeper said Altai was “doing fine”, with the park once again confirming the tiger was not injured during the incident and will not be euthanised.

A steady stream of visitors entered the attraction after it reopened, with some arriving early to show support for staff.

Others took to social media to express sympathy for the family of 24-year-old Mr Chapman, while arguing the tiger had acted on instinct as an apex predator.

The park’s management urged guests to remain respectful towards employees, many of whom witnessed or responded to the incident.

In a statement announcing the reopening, Yorkshire Wildlife Park Resort said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family, friends and loved ones of William Chapman who sadly lost his life. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff team and animals remain our highest priority.”

The park also confirmed that specialist trauma support and ongoing care were being provided to those affected.

Witnesses of the fatal incident said Mr Chapman had been dancing on a raised walkway above the enclosure while listening to music through his AirPods shortly before the attack.

He reportedly asked a visitor to photograph him with Altai in the background, before climbing over two fences and entering the enclosure – then posting a video on Instagram of himself approaching the tiger.

Zookeepers attempted to stop the attack, reportedly firing five loud acoustic blasts in an effort to frighten the animal away; however, Mr Chapman sustained fatal injuries.

At the opening of an inquest yesterday, a coroner’s officer said a post-mortem examination had provisionally recorded the cause of death as “multiple traumatic injuries”.

The hearing was told that Mr Chapman had a history of mental illness, had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, and had previously experienced episodes of psychosis.

He was a self-employed online trader receiving support from Doncaster Mental Health Services, although the inquest heard he was considered highly functioning and independent, with no care requirements.

Coroner’s officer Caitlin Brookes said Mr Chapman’s family had raised concerns about his contact with mental health services in the period leading up to his death.

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

South Yorkshire Police are also investigating, while City of Doncaster Council, which licenses the zoo, has begun a health and safety inquiry into the site.