A zoo worker in the Netherlands has died after being attacked by a leopard while caring for them, sustaining severe injuries over the past weekend. The zoo confirmed there will be no euthanasia.
Foreign news agencies reported on 27 Oct 2026 that a highly experienced female worker at Beekse Bergen Zoo in the Netherlands has died after being severely injured by a Persian leopard inside an enclosure on the previous Saturday (24 Oct).
The female worker, whose name has not been disclosed, had worked at Beekse Bergen Zoo for 40 years. She was attacked while caring for two leopards in an indoor enclosure, suffering severe injuries to her head and neck. Doctors performed surgery to save her life, but the zoo confirmed her death on Tuesday (27 Oct).
The statement added that an independent agency will conduct an investigation into the facts surrounding the incident.
Beekse Bergen Zoo stated that the animal caretaker began working there at age 17 and had been employed continuously, both full-time and part-time, over four decades.
“Her passing deeply saddens all of us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones. Our top priority now is to provide support and care for her family and colleagues,” the statement further said.
The zoo clarified that normally, the two Persian leopards are kept separate from staff, but on the day of the incident, they were brought indoors due to poor weather. It remains unclear what exactly happened inside the enclosure, as there were no CCTV cameras installed.
However, a zoo spokesperson confirmed there will be no euthanasia of the two leopards, as they were merely exhibiting natural predatory behavior. “They are, and will remain, predatory animals.”
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Source:bbc