Beekse Bergen Zoo: Zookeeper attacked by Persian leopard in enclosure at Netherlands animal park
The horrific mauling comes weeks after a man was killed by a Tiger at a UK zoo.
A zookeeper is fighting for her life after she was mauled by a big cat at a Dutch zoo.
Around 11am on Saturday, the woman was caring for two male Persian leopards at Beekse Bergen Zoo in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands, when she was attacked.
It is not known if she was attacked by one or both leopards in the enclosure.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The woman is believed to be in her fifties.
According to local outlet Brabants Dagblad, the zookeeper warned her colleagues of the terrifying event over walkie-talkie and another colleague heard her scream.
Her colleagues rushed to the enclosure and provided first aid before the woman was taken to hospital via helicopter.
She underwent surgery on Saturday afternoon.
Head of animal care at the zoo Martin van Hees, who said the attack was “deeply tragic”, said the zookeeper’s condition was “worrying” but the surgery went well.
Her injuries are not yet known.
He said staff members were being supported and further talks would be held on Sunday.
“It is terrible for the other keepers,” Mr van Hees said.
“They know there are risks, but they are deeply distressed.”
The identity of the keeper has not been revealed but in a press conference, Mr van Hees said she had worked at the zoo for 25 years and had worked with leopards for eight of those.
“She is a very experienced colleague who is always very alert to safety,” he said in a translated quote.
Zoo attendee Annelies de Jonge told reporters that people were running when the attack happened.
“We were standing by the safari bus with our family and grandchildren when suddenly several staff members and cars ran in that direction,” a translated quote read.
“People who were already on the bus had to get out.
“Later we heard that a caretaker had been injured.”
Mr van Hees said the leopards remained in their enclosure and ruled out euthanising them.
“We are not going to do anything with the leopards,” a translated quote read.
“It just sat in its enclosure and did what it did
“The animal cannot help it.”
An investigation has been launched into the devastating attack.
This is not the first attack at the zoo, a 37-year-old employee was killed by an elephant in 2003.
Beekse Bergen is the largest wildlife and safari resort in the Benelux region of the Netherlands.
The leopard attack comes two weeks after William Chapman was fatally attacked at a UK zoo after entering a tiger enclosure.
