Full Breakdown
Tragic Death of Beekse Bergen Zookeeper After Leopard Attack
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event: Fatal Leopard Attack at Beekse Bergen Safari Park
On Saturday, October 24, a senior animal caretaker was mauled while caring for two male Persian leopards inside an indoor enclosure at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands. She suffered severe head and neck injuries, was air-lifted to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but died on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The park confirmed that the leopards were behaving naturally and will not be euthanised.
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02
Background & Context
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is the largest wildlife and safari resort in the Benelux region. The two predators, classified as Persian leopards (also referred to as Persian panthers), were moved indoors because of stormy weather—a deviation from the park’s normal practice of keeping staff separated from big cats. The park has previously experienced a fatal animal-related incident: an employee was killed by an elephant in 2003. Internationally, big-cat attacks on zoo staff have occurred in Thailand (2023), Crimea (2024), Zurich (2020), North Carolina (2018) and Florida (2016).
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Animals involved: Two male Persian leopards.
- Caretaker’s tenure: The park’s statement notes she began work at age 17 and served “nearly 40 years”; other reports describe her as having worked “around 25 years” and with leopards for eight years.
- Injuries: Critical trauma to the head and neck; emergency surgery was performed but the condition deteriorated.
- Response assets: A trauma helicopter and multiple emergency crews were dispatched to the enclosure.
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Official Statements & Responses
The park released a statement expressing deep sorrow for the caretaker’s family, friends and colleagues, and pledged support for her loved ones. He described the incident as “deeply tragic” and emphasized that staff are being supported while investigations continue. An independent investigation has been launched by the Dutch labour inspectorate to determine how the caretaker entered the enclosure and why standard safety protocols were not followed.
05
On-the-Ground Reports
Colleagues heard the caretaker’s cry for help over a walkie-talkie and provided first aid before she was evacuated by helicopter.
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Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Length of service: Some sources cite “nearly 40 years” of employment, while others report “around 25 years.”
- Experience with leopards: One account notes eight years of direct work with the leopards; another does not specify.
- Identity of the victim: The caretaker’s name has not been released.
- Cause of enclosure entry: No CCTV footage exists, and it remains unclear why the caretaker was inside the predator enclosure, a practice described as “highly unusual.”
- Number of leopards involved in the attack: Reports differ on whether one or both leopards participated.
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Verbatim Quotes
- “It is terrible for the other keepers,” — Mr van Hees
- “Later we heard that a caretaker had been injured.” — Mr van Hees