Beekse Bergen zookeeper dies after leopard attack

A zookeeper at Beekse Bergen safari park has succumbed to her injuries after being attacked by a leopard in one of the park’s enclosures on Saturday.

The woman, who had spent nearly 40 years working with the animals, was said to be a highly committed and experienced member of the park.

Two male Persian panthers, a type of leopard, had taken shelter in an enclosure in the park amid stormy weather over the weekend. It is unclear how or why they attacked the keeper as there is no CCTV footage and entering an indoor enclosure with the animals is highly unusual.

She managed to call for help via a walkie-talkie during the attack but was mauled badly on her head and neck.

Emergency workers, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene. Her injuries were so serious that officials at the park said it was unlikely she would survive.

An investigation into the accident has been launched by the labour inspectorate.