Yorkshire Wildlife Park tiger attack: Cause of death revealed after fatal mauling of William Chapman

The UK zoo where a man was killed by a tiger has reopened as a coronial inquest probes what caused his death .

William Chapman, 24, was fatally mauled by Altai the tiger after entering the Land of the Tiger attraction at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, near Doncaster in England, on October 10.

Chapman died at the scene with the zoo immediately evacuating and later closing to the public.

An inquest hearing into Chapman’s death has already begun, kicking off at Doncaster Coroner’s Court on Thursday.

The court heard Chapman’s official cause of death and extensive history of mental illness.

“He was approached by the tiger and the ensuing physical contact between the tiger and Chapman led to him sustaining multiple traumatic injuries which rapidly led to his death,” senior coroner Nicola Mundy told the court, the BBC reported.

Mundy told the court Chapman had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and had previous bouts of psychosis which resulted in him being under adult mental health services.

However, he was deemed to be “highly functioning and independent with no care requirements”.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed on Thursday, local time, that it would follow through with re-opening the zoo on Saturday.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family, friends and loved ones of William Chapman who sadly lost his life,” the statement reads.

“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff team and animals remain our highest priority.

“The Park, including Land of the Tiger, reopens to visitors following engagement with the relevant authorities.

“We continue to assist South Yorkshire Police and other relevant gencies with their ongoing enquiries into the circumstances of this tragic incident.”

The wildlife park added Altai is “safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident” and asked for anyone attending on Saturday to “be understanding and respectful towards our staff team”.