A Dutch zookeeper has died following a leopard attack at Beekse Bergen Safari Park in the southern Netherlands. The experienced animal keeper suffered serious injuries while working in an enclosure with two Persian leopards on Saturday, October 24. The park confirmed her death on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The woman had worked at the safari park for nearly 40 years, having started her career there at the age of 17. Her death has prompted an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
According to an official statement published by Beekse Bergen Safari Park, the park is supporting the woman’s family and colleagues as they cope with the loss.
What Happened in the Beekse Bergen Leopard Enclosure?
The attack took place on Saturday at the safari park in Hilvarenbeek, a town in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands.
The zookeeper was working in an indoor enclosure housing two male Persian leopards when the incident occurred. She suffered severe injuries to her head and neck.
According to the Associated Press, the woman managed to alert her colleagues using a walkie-talkie. Emergency services responded, and she was taken to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Doctors performed emergency surgery. However, her condition deteriorated over the following days, and she died on October 27.
The exact sequence of events inside the enclosure has not been established publicly. Investigators will need to determine how the incident occurred and whether any workplace safety procedures require further examination.
Beekse Bergen Confirms Death of Long-time Animal Keeper
The safari park announced the death in a statement released in consultation with the woman’s family.
She began working at Beekse Bergen when she was 17 and remained associated with the park for almost four decades, apart from several short breaks.
Her death has deeply affected the park’s employees. Management said its immediate priority was to support her relatives and colleagues during the difficult period.
The park has also said it will provide a designated area where visitors can leave condolences. Colleagues will have an opportunity to pay their respects.
In addition, Beekse Bergen has requested privacy for the bereaved family and staff as they grieve.
The woman has not been publicly identified in reports, in accordance with Dutch privacy protections.
Investigation Launched Into Fatal Leopard Attack
Beekse Bergen has announced an independent investigation to establish the circumstances of the attack.
One of the central questions is why the keeper was inside the enclosure with the big cats. According to the Associated Press, park staff are generally not permitted to share an enclosure with predatory animals.
The absence of camera footage from the enclosure has also been reported. As a result, investigators may need to rely on other evidence, including staff accounts and relevant safety records, to reconstruct what happened.
However, the findings have not yet been established publicly. It would be premature to attribute responsibility to the keeper, the park or either animal before the investigation is complete.
The investigation is expected to help clarify the circumstances of the incident and identify any lessons relevant to workplace safety.
What Are Persian Leopards?
Persian leopards are large predatory cats associated with parts of western and central Asia. They belong to the leopard species, known scientifically as Panthera pardus.
Like other large cats, leopards possess powerful bodies, sharp claws and strong jaws. Their natural hunting behaviour makes careful handling and appropriate enclosure procedures essential in professional wildlife facilities.
Although experienced keepers may work with dangerous animals for many years, experience does not eliminate the risks associated with caring for large predators.
The fatal incident at Beekse Bergen highlights the importance of investigating how animal-care procedures operate in practice, particularly when staff members must work around powerful wildlife.
Zoo Mourns Loss as Questions Remain
The death has left the Beekse Bergen community mourning a colleague who spent most of her working life at the park.
While the circumstances of the attack remain under investigation, the zoo has emphasised its concern for the woman’s family and coworkers.
For now, key questions about the incident remain unanswered. Investigators must establish what happened inside the enclosure and whether any changes to existing safety arrangements are necessary.
Further confirmed information from the park or relevant authorities may clarify those questions as the investigation progresses.
