In brief
A 40‑year‑old keeper at the Beekse Bergen zoo in the Netherlands was fatally mauled by two Persian leopards while caring for them in an indoor enclosure. The attack left her with severe head and neck injuries and she required helicopter transport to a hospital, but she died on Tuesday. Beekse Bergen confirmed that there was no CCTV coverage inside the enclosure and will launch an independent investigation into the incident. The zoo has announced the leopards will not be euthanised and will establish a memorial for staff and visitors.
Beekse Bergen Zoo in the south of the Netherlands confirmed that a 40‑year‑old keeper died after being attacked by two Persian leopards while caring for them in an indoor enclosure.
The keeper, who had worked at the park for four decades, sustained fatal head and neck injuries. She was taken to a hospital by helicopter in critical condition, but died on Tuesday.
Beekse Bergen said the leopards had been moved indoors due to bad weather, a move that left staff without the usual safety distance. The park also revealed that there are no CCTV cameras inside the enclosure, which has made the details of the incident unclear.
An independent investigation will be launched to examine the circumstances of the attack. The zoo stressed that the leopards will not be euthanised and will remain on display as predators.
The park announced it will create a memorial site for guests and staff to share condolences, and it underlined its commitment to supporting the keeper’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
