Dutch zookeeper dies after being mauled by leopard at Beekse Bergen safari park

A veteran zookeeper at the Beekse Bergen safari park in the Netherlands has died after being mauled by two Persian leopards, the park confirmed. The woman sustained severe trauma to her head and neck during the attack and died from her injuries days later, following emergency surgery that officials said was unlikely to save her.

The attack took place on Saturday inside an indoor enclosure where the two male Persian leopards had been sheltered because of stormy weather conditions. The precise sequence of events remains unclear, as no security cameras are installed inside the facility. Officials have not explained how or why the attack was initiated.

The keeper managed to alert colleagues by calling for help over a walkie-talkie during the attack. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene. Despite medical intervention, she died from her injuries, the park said.

Beekse Bergen described the woman as a highly committed and experienced member of staff. She had begun her career at the park at the age of 17 and had worked there on and off for nearly four decades, making her one of its longest-serving keepers.

Persian leopards, also known as Persian panthers, are the largest leopard subspecies and are classified as endangered. They are native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. Like most big cats, they can be unpredictable in captivity, even when managed by experienced handlers with established routines.

The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. The safari park has also announced it will commission an independent inquiry to determine what led to the incident and whether safety procedures were followed or need to be strengthened.

Beekse Bergen, located in the province of North Brabant, is one of the largest safari parks in the Netherlands and has operated for decades as both a conservation facility and a visitor attraction. It houses a wide range of African and Asian wildlife across open-air and enclosed habitats.

Fatal animal attacks on zookeepers, while rare, have highlighted persistent questions about enclosure design, monitoring protocols, and the occupational risks faced by those who work directly with large predators. Experts and regulators often point to the absence of CCTV in sensitive areas as a gap that complicates both incident response and post-event investigation.

The park did not release the keeper's name. Staff and management are said to be in shock. Beekse Bergen said it would provide support to the woman's family and to colleagues affected by her death.

Investigators will examine whether protocols governing entry into enclosures housing big cats were adhered to and what changes, if any, are required. The outcome of the Labour Inspectorate's inquiry could have implications for animal care standards at zoological facilities across the Netherlands.