Veteran animal keeper placed in induced coma after leopard attack at Dutch safari park

A seasoned animal caretaker in her 50s suffered serious injuries after a Persian leopard lunged at her in the enclosure at Beekse Bergen safari park, Netherlands. The incident occurred while she was working alone, and the standard physical barrier between staff and the predators was missing. Despite her injuries, she was conscious enough to call for assistance on her walkie-talkie; coworkers reached the site within a quarter of an hour, used a fence to separate the leopard, and secured her for evacuation.

A trauma helicopter transported her to a hospital where she underwent surgery and is now being kept in an induced coma to aid recovery. No visitors were present in the park at the time because the animals were kept indoors due to inclement weather, though they observed the emergency response. The park and the local labor inspectorate have opened inquiries to determine how safety protocols failed. The caretaker's colleagues assisted with her rescue and continue to support her after the incident.