Investigation update as woman is killed in horror attack by leopard in zoo enclosure

An experienced zookeeper at a safari park has now died after a horrific attack by a leopard in its enclosure.

The woman, who worked at the Beekse Bergen Safari Park in the Netherlands, has tragically passed away from her injuries following the incident over the weekend.

The safari park said in a statement that the woman, whose name has been withheld in accordance with Dutch privacy law, had died after she suffered serious wounds to her head and neck.

Aged in her 50s, she was attacked on Saturday (24 October) while working in an enclosure with two male Persian leopards, it was confirmed.

According to reports, other zoo staff working there had heard her cries for help, and she was found in the enclosure, and her colleagues provided first aid before a trauma helicopter landed.

She underwent emergency surgery and was described as being in a 'critical condition' before her death was confirmed on Tuesday (27 October).

Head of Animal Care at Beekse Bergen, Martin van Hees told local media that she was ‘very experienced’ and ‘alert’ to any safety concerns.

“Her passing deeply affects us all, and we sympathise intensely with her family, friends, and loved ones,” the zoo in the southern town of Hilvarenbeek said in a new statement, which was made together with her family.

The woman began working at the zoo when she was 17 and spent nearly all of her 40-year career there, it was confirmed.

An update also confirmed an investigation has been launched to determine exactly why the woman was in the enclosure with the leopards.

This is because zoo staff are typically not permitted to be in the same space as predatory animals. According to the zoo, the woman was able to alert colleagues via a walkie-talkie that she had been hurt.

An ambulance and a trauma helicopter were dispatched to the park at around 11am local time on Saturday.

The woman underwent emergency surgery, but her condition worsened on Sunday evening and the zoo said they did not expect her to survive. The safari park said an area in the park will be set up where condolences can be left.