Animal-lover mauled to death in cheetah cage

A 37-year-old animal-lover was mauled to death by cheetahs at a zoo in northern Belgium, authorities and zoo officials said today, raising questions about safety at the animal park.

Jan Libot, spokesman for the Olmense Zoo, located 55 miles north-east of Brussels, said it was unclear why Karen Aerts entered the cheetah cage late last night.

“She was found dead in the cage,” Libot told VTM television.

Aerts, from the city of Antwerp, was a regular visitor to the zoo and godmother to one of the cats that killed her, named Bongo.

“Karen loved animals. Unfortunately the cheetahs betrayed her trust,” Libot said. He added Aerts was a sponsor for Bongo, paying for feed for the cat.

Police said they were investigating why Aerts entered the cage. They believe she hid somewhere in the park after it closed and managed to find the keys to the cheetah cage.

Animal rights group GAIA called for the immediate closing of the zoo, saying it was unsafe for both visitors and the cats.