ZOOKEEPER, 50s, FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE AFTER PANTHER ATTACK — COLLEAGUES HEARD HER CRIES FOR HELP

A veteran zookeeper is in critical condition after reportedly being mauled by a big cat inside its enclosure at a wildlife park in the Netherlands. The horrifying incident unfolded as colleagues heard her cries for help and rushed to her aid.

The woman, who is reportedly in her 50s and from Belgium, was discovered with severe head injuries at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek on Saturday morning, October 24, 2026.

Emergency crews, including an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene at around 11 a.m. local time. She was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery, with zoo officials describing her condition as worrying.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

HORRIFIED COLLEAGUE HEARD HER CALL FOR HELP

According to reports, the animal keeper was working inside an indoor enclosure housing large cats when the incident occurred.

A colleague reportedly heard her crying for help over a walkie-talkie and hurried to the enclosure, where the injured woman was found.

The zoo’s head of animal care, Martin van Hees, confirmed that an investigation had been launched to establish exactly what happened.

He said the woman was an experienced animal caretaker who was normally very attentive to safety procedures.

“We know there is a risk when working with dangerous animals, but you never want to experience something like this,” van Hees said, according to The Sun.

The incident has shocked staff at the wildlife park, where employees work closely with powerful predators as part of their daily responsibilities.

ATTACK INVOLVED A PERSIAN LEOPARD

The animal involved is believed to have been one of two Persian leopards kept at the park. Although the attack has been described in reports as a panther attack, the big cat is believed to be a Persian leopard.

The animals had been moved into an indoor enclosure because of severe weather the previous evening.

Investigators have not yet established precisely how the woman came into contact with the animal or what happened immediately before the attack.

The zoo has said it will not euthanize the leopard.

Van Hees explained that the animal had behaved according to its natural instincts and should not be punished for doing so.

The decision reflects the zoo’s position that the incident must be investigated without automatically treating the animal as responsible in the same way a human would be.

ZOO LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION

Park officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what occurred inside the enclosure.

According to reports, there are no cameras inside the enclosure, making it more difficult to reconstruct the events directly.

The woman is understood to have worked at the wildlife park for approximately 25 years, including extensive experience caring for predatory animals.

An emergency meeting for zoo employees was scheduled for Sunday as staff dealt with the aftermath of the incident.

The attack is another reminder of the risks faced by animal-care professionals, even when working in established facilities with safety procedures in place.

For now, the woman remains the focus of concern as she receives medical treatment. Her colleagues and the park’s management are awaiting further information while investigators work to determine exactly how the incident unfolded.

Source: The Sun