Dutch zookeeper dies after being mauled by leopard

An experienced zookeeper in the Netherlands has passed away after being attacked by a leopard in her enclosure. The 40-year veteran of Beekse Bergen park had worked with the animals for four decades before the incident. On Saturday, while caring for two Persian leopards inside an indoor facility, the keeper sustained severe head and neck injuries.

Despite attempts to alert colleagues via walkie-talkie, the zookeeper was airlifted to the hospital in a critical condition. Emergency surgery was performed, but the park confirmed her death on Tuesday. An independent inquiry is set to be launched into the tragic incident. The keeper began her career at the zoo at the age of 17 and had been working there on and off for four decades.

The two leopards, typically kept away from staff, were temporarily moved indoors due to adverse weather conditions. The cause of the attack remains unclear as there are no CCTV cameras inside the enclosure. Beekse Bergen, a safari park located in the south of the Netherlands, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, focusing their support on the family, friends, and colleagues affected.

The leopards, described as behaving naturally, will not be euthanized, as they remain predators. A memorial will be established for guests and staff to offer condolences.