WILLIAM Chapman, the man who died after climbing into a zoo's tiger enclosure, had asked someone to take a photo of himself with the tiger seconds before.
Mr Chapman died after entering the Land of the Tigers enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster on Saturday afternoon.
Visitor Marie Miller said she had seen the young man entering the enclosure shortly before tragedy struck.
She said he was “happily enjoying seeing the tiger” and asked another visitor to take a photo of him with the cat in the background.
Marie said: “20 minutes before today’s tragic incident at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this tiger was sat in the sunshine.
“The man who I saw on the bridge with his EarPods in dancing was happily enjoying seeing the tiger.
“He obviously wasn’t with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background. Probably the last photo on his phone.
“I’m not sure if he was with a carer or family member but I honestly do think he just wanted to play with the tiger.
“Tragic for the family.
“Tragic for the staff who were brilliant but in shock.
“Thankfully the tiger survived.”
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Mr Chapman was visiting the park alone and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A force spokesperson said his family was aware and was being supported by specialist officers.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park said the rare Amur tiger involved, named Altai, will not be euthanised and remains in its enclosure.
The park offered its "thoughts and heartfelt sympathies" to Mr Chapman’s family.
City of Doncaster Council has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident.