On Saturday morning at Beekse Bergen Safari Park in Hilvarenbeek, a zookeeper in her early 50s was attacked by one of the park’s two Persian leopards while performing routine checks inside the enclosure.
The victim suffered severe head injuries, prompting emergency responders to airlift her to the nearest hospital. The medical team performed immediate surgery to address her traumatic brain injury.
Park officials confirmed that the keeper had been following established safety protocols, working alone in the enclosure, yet the leopard’s sudden aggression remains unexplained.
Martin van Hees, Head of Animal Care, said the team is coordinating with the Dutch Labour Inspectorate to investigate how the animal breached containment.
The investigation will examine enclosure design, staff training, and the leopard’s health records, with preliminary findings expected by the end of next month.