Zookeeper of 25 Years Heard Screaming Over Walkie-Talkie as Leopard Attacked Her at Safari Park 

On Saturday, October 24, a serious incident occurred at the Beekse Bergen safari park in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands, when a Persian leopard attacked a female zookeeper. The woman, aged in her fifties, sustained significant head injuries and was subsequently transported to a hospital, where reports indicate her condition is critical.

The attack reportedly took place around 11 a.m., while the zookeeper was attending to the leopards in their enclosure. Local media sources, including Algemeen Dagblad and NRC Handelsblad, revealed that the woman had been in communication with her colleagues via walkie-talkie when she called out for assistance. Her colleagues rushed to the location of the attack, but the extent of her injuries necessitated immediate medical attention.

Martin van Hees, the Head of Animal Care at the park, stated to Metro that the woman underwent surgery and her condition remains concerning. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with working in close proximity to wild animals, even for experienced zookeepers.

Prior to the incident, the leopards had been confined to their indoor enclosure due to a storm that struck the region on the previous day. Details surrounding the specifics of the attack are still unclear, including whether one or both leopards were involved. However, it was noted that the injured zookeeper had dedicated 25 years to her role at the park, spending eight of those years specifically caring for big cats.

Park spokeswoman Linda Engels explained that the zookeeper was following normal procedures, which usually entail staff working alone in enclosures. Despite protocols aimed at preventing such incidents, the attack raises questions about the safety measures currently in place. “Something went wrong there, but we do not yet know what. There are no cameras in the enclosure and she was working alone,” Engels stated.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several park employees and vehicles hastily proceeding towards the site of the incident. Annelies de Jonge, who was at the park with her family, recalled seeing the urgency of the response, noting that visitors had to disembark the safari bus as events unfolded.

In response to the attack, investigations are being conducted by the Netherlands’ Labour Inspectorate alongside the safari park management. This inquiry aims to identify the factors that contributed to the incident and to review safety protocols at the facility. A spokesperson from the Inspectorate expressed their concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the event, stating, “We honestly do not know what happened. That makes it very upsetting.”

As a precaution, the two leopards involved in the incident are expected to remain in their enclosures while the investigation proceeds. Van Hees explained that there are no immediate plans to alter their housing or care, emphasising, “The animal cannot help it.”

Support services have been arranged for colleagues affected by the incident, acknowledging the psychological toll such a traumatic event can have on staff members working closely with animals.

As the situation continues to develop, both the park and relevant authorities are committed to uncovering the details of what transpired, with the safety of both staff and animals remaining a priority. The focus now shifts to understanding how such a tragic incident could occur and ensuring enhanced protocols are in place to prevent future occurrences at the institution.