29.10.2026 22:26
The experienced animal keeper in her 50s working at a safari park in the Netherlands was seriously injured after being attacked in the area housing two Iranian leopards. As her colleagues heard cries for help over the radio and rushed to the scene, the woman, who was injured in the head, was taken to hospital and underwent surgery. Doctors reported that the animal keeper's chance of survival is very low.
Frightening moments were experienced at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands, on Saturday, October 24. An experienced animal keeper who had worked at the park for about 25 years and had been responsible for the care of the leopards for the last eight years was attacked at around 11:00 a.m. while carrying out routine checks.
In the incident, which occurred in the enclosed area where two Iranian leopards were kept, the woman's cries for help over her radio alerted her colleagues. Employees who reached the scene gave first aid to the seriously injured woman. The animal keeper, who was taken to hospital by medical teams, suffered serious injuries to her head and neck.
DOCTORS SAID THE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WAS VERY LOW
The woman underwent surgery at the hospital and the operation was completed, but her condition remained critical. In a statement made on Monday, October 26, it was reported that her condition had worsened further and that the chance of survival was very low.
Park management spoke with the woman's family and provided information about her latest condition. It has not yet become clear how the employee, who had about 25 years of experience, came to be attacked.
THERE WAS NO CAMERA IN THE AREA WHERE THE LEOPARDS WERE KEPT
Park officials stated that the animal keeper was working alone in the area during routine checks in accordance with normal procedures. Although there are rules regarding the safety of staff working with dangerous animals, it has not yet become clear how the attack occurred.
A park spokesperson stated that there was no camera in the section where the incident occurred and that therefore all the details of the attack were not yet known.
The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate and the park management have launched separate investigations into the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the attack and whether there were any problems with safety procedures.
NO DECISION WAS MADE TO KILL THE LEOPARDS
Park management announced that killing the leopard considered to have been involved in the attack was not on the agenda. Officials stated that the incident was being investigated in all its aspects and that the animal's behavior would also be considered during the evaluation process.
It was reported that park visitors were not affected by the incident during the attack. Following the incident, psychological support has been provided to employees while the investigation continues.