Dutch Zookeeper Dies Following Leopard Attack at Safaripark Beekse Bergen

OPA WIRE, Oct 28 (OPA) — A female zookeeper in her 50s died on Tuesday, days after sustaining severe head and neck injuries during an attack by a Persian leopard at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek. The incident occurred Saturday morning while the keeper was working with two male leopards that had been moved indoors due to Storm Austen. Colleagues discovered the victim after hearing her distress call over a walkie-talkie, leading to an emergency airlift to a local hospital.

Management at the safari park confirmed the victim had been a fixture at the facility since age 17, serving for nearly four decades. Martin van Hees, the park’s head of animal care, stated that the leopard involved will not be euthanized, noting that the animal was acting on natural predatory instincts. "The animal cannot help it," van Hees said, adding that the park is currently reviewing how the keeper gained access to the enclosure while the predators were present.

There are no surveillance cameras inside the enclosure, leaving the exact sequence of events during the Saturday morning incident unclear. Under standard operating procedures, staff are required to remain separated from the predators at all times. Park officials acknowledged that a procedural failure occurred, stating, "She entered the enclosure while the leopards could also access it, and as a result she was caught."

An independent investigation is underway to determine the specific circumstances that led to the breach of safety protocols. The park has expressed its condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues, emphasizing that they are providing support to those affected by the tragedy. No further details regarding the specific leopard involved have been released, as the park continues to cooperate with local authorities.