An experienced keeper at a Dutch zoo has died days after being mauled in a leopard enclosure, the safari park has confirmed.

The woman, who had worked at Beekse Bergen park for 40 years, was caring for two Persian leopards in an indoor facility when she was attacked on Saturday.

She sustained injuries to her head and neck and had emergency surgery, but the park confirmed her death on Tuesday.

An independent investigation will be launched into the incident, it added in a statement.

Announcing her death, Beekse Bergen - in the south of the Netherlands - said the keeper began her career there when she was 17 and had worked there on-and-off for four decades.

"Her passing has deeply affected us all, and our hearts go out to her family, friends, and loved ones.…