Dutch zookeeper dies after being mauled in leopard enclosure

What the report says

A zoo keeper at Beekse Bergen safari park in the southern Netherlands has died after being mauled in a leopard enclosure, according to the BBC World News report. The woman, described by the park as an experienced staff member, was caring for two Persian leopards in an indoor area when the attack happened on Saturday. She later died on Tuesday after surgery for injuries to her head and neck.

Beekse Bergen said she had worked at the park for about 40 years and began there at age 17. The park said the incident occurred while the animals were inside because of bad weather, and it added that an independent investigation would be launched. The zoo also said it was supporting the woman’s family and colleagues and would create a memorial place for visitors and staff.

The report says there are no CCTV cameras inside the enclosure, so the exact sequence of events is unclear. It also noted that the two leopards are normally kept separate from staff. A local media report cited in the BBC account said the keeper was able to alert colleagues by walkie-talkie before being taken to hospital by helicopter. The park said the leopards would not be put down, describing them as behaving naturally.