Yorkshire Wildlife Park reopens its tiger enclosure six days after visitor was mauled to death inside it
William Chapman, the former child actor killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, whose family said he had suffered 'significant mental illness over a number of years' and had been prescribed 'strong medication.'The tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster, where William Chapman, 24, died on 10 October after climbing two fences to enter; an inquest heard he had a diagnosis of schizophrenia yet was classed as…
Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster reopens today, including the "Land of the Tiger" area, six days after William Chapman, 24, scaled two fences and was mauled to death by Siberian tiger Altai. An inquest opened Thursday heard that Chapman had a history of schizophrenia and previous bouts of psychosis, and his family had expressed concerns over how he had been dealt with by mental health services in the period before he died. The park says Altai is "safe and well" and will not be euthanised.
Chapman filmed himself approaching the tiger and posted the footage online before he was killed.
Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust has launched a Patient Safety Incident Investigation into Chapman's contact with services, with a full inquest set for March 18.
The park is asking visitors to be 'understanding and respectful' towards staff, who are receiving specialist trauma support.
