Zookeeper in coma with head & neck injuries after being mauled by leopard

An experienced zookeeper remains critically ill and under sedation after a leopard attacked her at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. According to the park, the woman underwent successful surgery for serious head and neck injuries, but her condition remained concerning and her chances of recovery were described as “very slim.”

The attack happened on Saturday morning in an enclosure housing two male Persian leopards. Colleagues reportedly heard the keeper calling for help over a walkie-talkie, prompting another staff member to rush to her assistance.

She was conscious when she was airlifted to hospital, according to the report. Park officials described her as a highly experienced employee who had spent the past eight years working in its predator section. Head of Animal Care Martin van Hees said safety arrangements were designed to keep staff and leopards in separate areas.

“In this case, however, something went differently than it should have,” he said. He explained that the keeper entered an area the leopards could also access, resulting in the attack. A park spokesperson said the circumstances remained unclear because there were no cameras in the enclosure and the woman had been working alone.

The park said the leopard would not be put down, with officials describing its behaviour as consistent with that of a predator. Management expressed sympathy for the keeper’s family and colleagues and said support was being provided to those affected. An investigation has been launched to establish how the incident occurred.