The “Land of Tigers” exhibit at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in northern England has reopened less than a week after a fatal incident involving a Siberian tiger named Altai. The enclosure was made accessible to visitors again on Friday, with Altai observed resting calmly within his pen.
The reopening follows the death of William Chapman, 24, a former child actor who was mauled by the tiger after entering the restricted area. Chapman reportedly climbed two fences to gain access to the enclosure on Saturday, where he approached the tiger with open arms before the animal attacked. He was dragged to a wooded section of the enclosure and died at the scene. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death as “multiple traumatic injuries” resulting from an animal interaction.
Following the incident, the park temporarily closed the exhibit. Park officials emphasized that Altai remained “safe and well” and confirmed he would not be euthanized. Staff were present during Friday’s reopening to respond to visitors’ inquiries about the tiger and the recent events.
Chapman’s family disclosed to investigators that he had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and was under the care of mental health services at the time of his death. Earlier in his life, Chapman pursued acting, appearing alongside Shirley Henderson in the ITV two-part series “May Contain Nuts” and receiving training at the Jackie Palmer Stage School.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the park has resumed normal operations in the tiger area under close supervision.
