UK zoo responds to concerns about tiger’s fate as it reopens after man mauled to death

A wildlife park in the UK where a young man was killed by a tiger in front of horrified onlookers will reopen to visitors on Friday.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park shut its gates as police investigated the death of William Chapman, 23, who entered the Land of the Tiger attraction and approached Altai the tiger on Saturday afternoon.

Family of the former child actor revealed he had been struggling with mental illness, and witnesses said Chapman appeared to approach Altai “like he was in a trance” before it mauled him.

Workers are getting specialist trauma support, the zoo said in a statement addressing “the tragic incident”.

“The park, including Land of the Tiger, reopens to visitors following engagement with relevant authorities,” Yorkshire Wildlife Park said on Thursday.

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

“As we welcome visitors back, we would ask that everyone be understanding and respectful towards our staff team, who have shown tremendous professionalism and dedication during an exceptionally difficult time.”

The park shared condolences for the loved ones of Chapman, the actor who had attended a northwest London stage school and appeared in the TV production May Contain Nuts, and the BBC series True Stories.

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

“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff team and animals remain our highest priority. We would like to thank all the people who have emailed, commented on our social media or contacted us with messages of support and love for our team at this time.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park also addressed growing public concern for the tiger at the heart of the incident.

“Many, many people also contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident,” the park said.

“His ongoing welfare at YWP remains a priority of our experiences animal care team.”

Wildlife park visitors Anthony Hunt and his partner Scarlet Hogan told The Telegraph that a woman visiting the park with her two children had “desperately tried to pull back” the man as he tried to jump into the tiger’s enclosure.