Veteran Zookeeper Dies Following Leopard Attack at Dutch Safari Park
A veteran zookeeper has died after being mauled by a leopard at Safaripark Beekse Bergen. The incident occurred during routine care for two Persian leopards.
POLICY WIRE — Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands — A veteran zookeeper has passed away following a violent encounter with a leopard at the safari park where she dedicated nearly four decades of her professional life.
The safari park confirmed on Tuesday that the staff member succumbed to her injuries days after the attack occurred. The woman, who was in her 50s, had been a highly committed and experienced member of the facility’s animal care team.
The incident took place on Saturday morning at Safaripark Beekse Bergen. The victim was performing routine care duties for two male Persian leopards—a specific type of leopard—when the attack occurred inside an indoor enclosure.
Reports indicate the animals had sought shelter in the enclosure due to stormy weather conditions at the time of the encounter. The victim sustained severe injuries to her head and neck during the incident.
In accordance with Dutch privacy regulations, the park has withheld the identity of the deceased zookeeper. The exact circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
