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An experienced zookeeper in the Netherlands has died days after being mauled by two Persian leopards inside an enclosure, the safari park has confirmed. BBC News reported that the female employee, who had four decades of experience at the Beekse Bergen park, was attacked on Saturday while caring for the animals in an indoor facility.
Fatal Injuries and Hospitalization
The worker sustained severe injuries to her head and neck during the incident. Despite undergoing emergency surgery and being airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, she succumbed to her injuries, with the park confirming her death on Tuesday.
Local news website NL Times reported that despite her critical condition, the injured keeper managed to use her walkie-talkie to alert colleagues for help.
Park Statement and Investigation
Beekse Bergen, located in the southern region of the Netherlands, stated that the keeper started working at the facility at the age of 17 and spent four decades there on and off. The park announced that an independent investigation will be launched to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy.
“Her passing has deeply affected us all, and our hearts go out to her family, friends, and loved ones. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting her family and her colleagues,” the park said in a statement.
Enclosure Circumstances and Animal Status
The two leopards were brought inside the indoor facility due to adverse weather conditions and are normally kept away from staff members. The park noted that the exact sequence of events remains unclear because the indoor area lacks CCTV cameras.
A spokesperson for the facility told local media outlet Omroep Brabant that the animals were acting on natural instincts and would not be put down. “They are, and remain, predators,” the spokesperson stated.
Beekse Bergen announced plans to set up a memorial space where visitors and staff can share their condolences.
