Colleagues heard Dutch zookeeper screaming over walkie-talkie during leopard attack, as health update emerges after critical mauling

A zookeeper of 25 years, in her 50s, has received a major health update after being mauled by a leopard while working alone in an indoor enclosure at Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek — with colleagues hearing her cries for help over her radio. She suffered severe head injuries and was rushed into surgery, with the park confirming the leopard will not be put down. Head of Animal Care Martin van Hees said: 'The animal cannot help it.' There are no cameras in the enclosure, and the park is opening as normal today.

The two Persian leopards had been kept indoors because of Friday night's storm.

She had spent eight years working with the park's predators.

Spokeswoman Linda Engels: 'Something went wrong there, but we do not yet know what.'