Zookeeper 'mauled by leopard' as horrified staff heard cries over walkie-talkie
A zookeeper in the Netherlands is in critical condition after being mauled by a leopard at Beekse Bergen Zoo. The incident occurred while the animal was in an indoor enclosure, and an investigation into the attack is currently underway.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with working in zoological facilities and raises questions about safety protocols for handling dangerous animals.
A woman has been hospitalised after being mauled by a leopard (Picture: Shutterstock / Ondrej Chvatal)
A zookeeper is in critical condition after being mauled by a leopard while working in an enclosure.
The unnamed woman in her 50s could be heard crying out for help over the walkie-talkie, prompting her colleagues to rush to her aid.
She suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital, where she is undergoing treatment, including surgery.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning, around 11am at Beekse Bergen Zoo in Hilvarenbeek, the Netherlands.
According to The Sun, the animals were in the indoor enclosure where they were being kept due to the storm on Friday night.
It’s unclear why the leopard attacked the staff member, as zoo employees stated she was always very alert when it came to safety.
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