Panther violently attacks keeper at Dutch zoo, chances of survival deemed slim

Beekse Bergen Wildlife Park is located in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands, near the Belgian border. He offers to “experience the safari like nowhere else”. There are all kinds of wild animals from various regions of the world: lions, elephants, tigers, wild dogs, seals, giraffes, camels, chimpanzees, penguins, etc.

This is where a tragedy took place on Saturday morning around 11 a.m., as reported by the media De Telegraaf. One of the park’s keepers, aged around fifty, entered the Persian panther enclosure. A usual tour carried out every day for almost two decades for the caregiver. Except that this morning, unlike the other days, the barrier had not been closed.

One of the male panthers, taking advantage of the absence of a barrier, jumped on the caregiver and violently attacked her, inflicting severe injuries on her head and neck. Still conscious, the fifty-year-old gathered her remaining strength to turn on her walkie-talkie and warn her colleagues. They heard his cry for help and intervened very quickly on the scene to evacuate him from the enclosure.

Paramedics arrived while she was still conscious and were able to transport her to hospital. She underwent surgery there, her condition being considered worrying. She was then placed in an induced coma. Doctors said his condition was very worrying and his chances of survival were very low.

“They are and remain predators”

An investigation has already been launched by the Dutch Labor Inspectorate. No surveillance camera was installed at the scene of the tragedy, which complicates the reconstruction work. The animal park affirmed that no euthanasia was planned for the animal in accordance with their commitments. “They are and remain predators,” said the establishment’s spokesperson during a press conference. The internal regulations specifically indicate that the keepers cannot be in the enclosure at the same time as the felines.

A psychological support unit has been opened for the park team. The caregiver's colleagues are particularly shocked. Management also assured that it would do everything possible to best support the victim's loved ones.