Dutch Zookeeper Dies After Leopard Attack at Safari Park

An experienced zookeeper in the Netherlands has died after being attacked by a leopard at Beekse Bergen safari park. The woman, who had worked at the park for approximately 40 years, was caring for two Persian leopards inside an indoor enclosure on Saturday when the incident occurred. She suffered serious head and neck injuries and underwent emergency surgery but died on Tuesday, the park confirmed.

The leopards had been moved indoors because of bad weather, although they are normally kept away from staff. The exact circumstances of the attack remain unknown, as the enclosure did not have CCTV cameras. According to local media reports, the keeper managed to alert colleagues through her walkie-talkie before being airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Park officials confirmed that the leopards would not be euthanised, emphasising that they are wild predators.

Beekse Bergen said the keeper began working at the park at the age of 17 and served there on and off for four decades. Her death has deeply affected her colleagues and the wider park community. An independent investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The safari park also plans to establish a memorial area where visitors and staff can pay tribute to the keeper.

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