Dutch Zookeeper Dies After Leopard Enclosure Attack, Independent Investigation to Begin

An experienced female keeper at a zoo in the Netherlands has died days after being attacked inside a leopard enclosure. The safari park has confirmed her death.

The woman had worked at Beekse Bergen park for 40 years. On Saturday, she was caring for two Persian leopards in an indoor facility at the park when she was attacked.

She sustained injuries to her head and neck. Despite undergoing surgery, she did not survive; the park confirmed her death on Tuesday.

Announcing her death, Beekse Bergen, in the south of the Netherlands, said the keeper began her career there when she was 17 and had worked there on and off for four decades.

In its statement, the park said: "Her passing has deeply affected us all, and our hearts go out to her family, friends, and loved ones. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting her family and her colleagues."

The two leopards are usually kept away from staff. They had been brought inside, however, because of bad weather conditions.

Exactly what happened inside the enclosure is not clear, because there are no CCTV cameras inside it.

Local news website NL Times reported that, despite her injuries, she managed to alert colleagues via her walkie-talkie. She was then taken to hospital by helicopter in a critical condition, where she died days later.

A park spokesperson told local media outlet Omroep Brabant that the leopards were behaving naturally and that they would not be euthanised.

The park said an independent investigation will be launched into the incident. It will also create a memorial location where guests and staff members can share their condolences.