Doctors expect Beekse Bergen worker won’t survive Persian leopard attack

The condition of the animal caretaker, who was attacked by a “Persian leopard,” sometimes also referred to as a “Persian panther” at Safaripark Beekse Bergen, has deteriorated, NOS reports. According to the park, the chance of recovery is “very small” as the woman sustained serious injuries to her head and neck.

Beekse Bergen released this latest update after consulting with the victim’s family. On Sunday it was reported that the woman was in medically induced sleep. She also had a surgery on Saturday, which went well.

So far it is known that the woman was working alone in an enclosure with two Persian leopards. Normally, staff are never allowed in the same space as the predators. The Labor Inspectorate and the Safaripark both have launched their own investigations.

The woman has worked at the park for almost 40 years, since she was 17. “She has a great heart for the animals and the park. In consultation with her family, the park will therefore remain open,” Beekse Bergen said in a statement. The park also asked everyone to “give the family peace and space.”

“We are of course extremely saddened by this news and are doing everything we can to support her family, colleagues, and other loved ones as much as possible and to offer extra guidance where needed,” the park said.