Overview
- The keeper was attacked during a morning round on Saturday, Oct. 24, when a male Persian leopard in the lower enclosure leapt onto her and inflicted severe head and neck wounds.
- Colleagues pulled her from the enclosure, she underwent emergency surgery and was placed in an induced coma before the park announced she died on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
- The park said it will not euthanize the animal and noted that large cats are predators, while its internal rules state keepers must not share enclosures with felines.
- The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has opened a formal inquiry after multiple reports said a protective barrier had not been closed that morning and that no cameras were installed inside the enclosure, which complicates reconstruction of events.
- Beekse Bergen has offered psychological support to staff and family and the case is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of enclosure procedures, barrier checks and the use of internal surveillance in zoos.