Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A 23‑year‑old man was killed when he breached the fence of a Siberian tiger’s pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday, prompting a health‑and‑safety inquiry and the park’s closure.
By LAS News Desk · Published 14 Oct 2026, 05:30 WAT
Incident details On Saturday afternoon, around 13:30 BST, a young man identified by his family as William Chapman entered the enclosure of a male Siberian tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Witnesses reported that he had climbed over the fence and approached the animal, which weighed approximately 200 kg and is known as Altai. The tiger attacked within minutes, and emergency services pronounced Chapman dead at the scene.
Background on the victim Chapman, aged 23, was described by his relatives as a bright and warm‑hearted individual who had been dealing with significant mental health challenges for several years and was on strong medication. The family asked for privacy and expressed distress over the circulation of graphic media related to the incident.
Official response South Yorkshire Police confirmed that specialist officers were providing support to Chapman’s family. The coroner will determine whether his mental health condition contributed to the tragedy. Meanwhile, Doncaster Council has opened a health‑and‑safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding the breach. The park was evacuated and remains closed while the inquiry proceeds.
Eyewitness accounts An observer noted that Chapman was wearing headphones and moving around the perimeter of the tiger’s area before he entered the pen. Mobile‑phone footage, believed to be recorded by Chapman, appears to show the moments leading up to the attack. Another witness recalled hearing him shout a warning as he approached the tiger.
Wider implications The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols at wildlife attractions and the handling of visitors with known mental health issues. Authorities have urged the public to respect the ongoing investigation and to refrain from sharing potentially distressing images.
The park’s management has not released further details about the tiger’s condition following the incident, and the investigation is expected to continue over the coming weeks.