Beekse Bergen Staffer Dies After Persian Leopard Attack

A long-time employee at Beekse Bergen safari park in the southern Netherlands died on Tuesday from injuries sustained in a leopard attack. The woman, who had worked at the facility for nearly 40 years, was attacked by one of two male Persian leopards while working alone in their enclosure on Saturday.

The park confirmed the death in a statement released on Tuesday. It described the loss as a profound grief for the staff and the family. The statement asked for privacy for the loved ones of the deceased. The woman had been with the park since she was 17 years old, with only short breaks during that time.

The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, October 24. According to the Associated Press, the zookeeper suffered serious wounds to her head and neck. She used a walkie talkie to contact colleagues immediately after the attack. Emergency responders, including an ambulance and a trauma helicopter, were dispatched to the scene.

The employee underwent emergency surgery following the incident. Her condition remained stable for a day but worsened on Sunday evening. She passed away on Tuesday. NOS, a CNN affiliate, reported that she had been working with the two leopards for eight years prior to the attack.

The park stated that there are no cameras inside the leopard enclosure. The two male animals have been treated normally since the incident. Beekse Bergen is home to more than 100 species and offers tours by foot, car, bus, and boat.

An independent investigation into the death has been launched. This is not the first fatal incident involving a zookeeper in Europe in recent years. In 2023, a staff member was killed by a rhino at Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo in Austria. In 2021, a worker was killed by a tiger at a safari park in Chile.

The park continues to operate during the investigation. The family has requested peace and privacy. The two leopards remain in their enclosure at the facility.