An experienced zookeeper at a Dutch safari park died Tuesday after being savagely mauled in a leopard enclosure.
The keeper, who had worked at Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek for almost four decades, was caring for two male Persian leopards in a covered enclosure due to bad weather on Saturday, the zoo said in a statement.
“The warden started at Beekse Bergen Safari Park at the age of 17 and worked here, with only a few short interruptions, for almost 40 years,” the park said.
“His passing also affects us deeply, and we grieve intensely with his family, friends and loved ones. We ask for peace and privacy for his loved ones and our staff, so that they can process this profound loss.”
The guard suffered serious injuries to her head and neck and frantically called for help with her walkie-talkie during the terrifying attack, according to Dutch News.
What led to the horrific massacre is unclear, as the indoor facility does not have surveillance cameras and an investigation is underway.
Zoo staff are generally not allowed to be in the same enclosure as big cats.
After the violent attack, an air ambulance rushed her to a local hospital for emergency surgery, but her condition worsened the next day.
A park spokesperson told Omroep Brabant, a local media outlet, that the leopards were behaving normally.
“They are and remain predators,” the spokesperson said.
A space in the park will be set up for staff to offer their condolences, Beekse Bergen said in a statement..
With post wires
Gn world
