The man killed by a tiger after entering its enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has been named as William Chapman.
Chapman entered the enclosure near Doncaster shortly after 1.30pm on Saturday and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to South Yorkshire Police.
Police said he had been visiting the park alone.
Video Posted Moments Before Attack
A video posted to a social media account believed to belong to Chapman appears to show him inside the tiger enclosure shortly before the fatal attack.
The footage, recorded on a mobile phone, shows the inside of the enclosure as he moves across a grassy area towards the tiger, which can be seen on a raised wooden platform.
People nearby can be heard shouting warnings and urging him to get out.
The video then ends.
The account has since been removed.
Witness Saw Him Pacing Near Enclosure
An eyewitness said Chapman had been seen wearing headphones and “pacing around” near the tiger enclosure before entering it.
He is understood to have climbed down from a walkway before getting inside.
Witnesses to the attack said some people tried to distract the tiger but were unable to stop what was happening.
Pronounced Dead At Scene
Emergency services were called to the wildlife park after the attack.
Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene.
South Yorkshire Police said his family had been informed and was being supported by specialist officers.
Park Evacuated
Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated following the incident and remained closed while investigations continued.
The park said its thoughts and sympathies were with Chapman’s family.
Tiger Will Not Be Euthanised
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed that the Amur tiger involved in the attack is named Altai.
The park said the animal remains in its enclosure and will not be euthanised.
Altai is one of the park’s two tigers.
Health And Safety Investigation Launched
City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the death.
A council spokesperson said the investigation was being carried out in line with its statutory duties.
South Yorkshire Police are also continuing enquiries into how Chapman entered the enclosure and the circumstances leading up to the attack.
