Yorkshire Wildlife Park to reopen six days after tiger attack

The park will reopen on Friday after a health‑and‑safety investigation and assurances that the tiger remains safe.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:13:01 GMT

Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Don Doncaster is set to reopen on Friday, a week after a visitor was killed by an Amur tiger in the park’s enclosure, according to statements from the park and local authorities.

What happened

On 10 Oct 2026, William Chapman entered the tiger enclosure at about 1:35 pm and was fatally attacked by the 200‑kg male Amur tiger named Altai. The park was evacuated and remained closed the following day. An inquest opened on 16 Oct 2026 revealed that Chapman had a history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and previous bouts of psychosis.

What the reports add

The City of Doncaster Council, which licences the park, is carrying out a health‑and‑safety investigation and will share its outcome with the coroner.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park confirmed it will reopen on Friday, almost a week after the fatal attack, after “engagement with the relevant authorities”.
The park said many people had contacted it about Altai and affirmed the tiger is “safe and well” and will not be euthanised.
The reopening will include the “Land of the Tiger” area.
The park is providing specialist trauma support and ongoing care for those affected.

What was said

Altai’s “ongoing welfare at YWP remains a priority of our experienced animal care team”. – Yorkshire Wildlife Park statement, Standard

We continue to assist South Yorkshire Police and other relevant agencies with their ongoing enquiries into the circumstances of this tragic incident. – Yorkshire Wildlife Park statement, Standard

As we welcome visitors back, we would ask everyone to be understanding and respectful towards our staff team, who have shown tremendous professionalism and dedication during an exceptionally difficult time. – Yorkshire Wildlife Park statement, Standard

We are providing specialist trauma support and ongoing care for those affected. – Yorkshire Wildlife Park statement, Standard

The council said it would share the outcome of its health‑and‑safety investigation with the coroner. – City of Doncaster Council spokesperson, Standard

How it came about

Felo News previously covered the fatal attack on 10 Oct 2026 (Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park). That article detailed the incident, the immediate evacuation and the lack of risk to other visitors. The current reopening follows the park’s closure, the inquest findings about Chapman’s mental health, and the council’s ongoing safety review.

Key facts

Yorkshire Wildlife Park will reopen on Friday, 6 Oct 2026. (standard.co.uk)
The fatal attack occurred on 10 Oct 2026, killing William Chapman. (standard.co.uk)
The tiger involved, Altai, is an Amur tiger and will not be euthanised. (standard.co.uk)
City of Doncaster Council is conducting a health‑and‑safety investigation. (standard.co.uk)