In brief
Beekse Bergen zoo keeper Sarah Van den Heuvel, 68, died after being mauled by two Persian leopards on Saturday. The 40‑year‑old staffer was scheduled to care for the animals in a temporary indoor enclosure set up because of bad weather. She suffered severe head and neck injuries that required surgical intervention, but she succumbed to her wounds a few days later. An independent inquiry has been announced, as the park has no CCTV inside the enclosure. The zoo has stated that the leopards will remain on display and a memorial will be created for visitors and staff.
An experienced zookeeper at the Beekse Bergen safari park in the south of the Netherlands died after a brutal attack by two Persian leopards. The 68‑year‑old worker, who had served the park for four decades, was caring for the animals in an indoor enclosure that had been set up because of bad weather.
She sustained critical head and neck injuries and was flown to a hospital in a helicopter. Despite emergency surgery, the zookeeper passed away on Tuesday.
The incident prompted the park to announce an independent investigation. It also confirmed that the leopards, which are normally kept behind a physical barrier, were not to be euthanised and will remain on display.
In a statement, the park expressed deep sorrow, said it would support the keeper’s family and colleagues, and revealed plans to create a memorial location for guests and staff to pay their respects.
