Berlin Zoo officials confirmed that trained keepers were able to rescue the woman within minutes, but not before she suffered serious injuries. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she is currently in stable condition. Authorities have not released her name pending further investigation.
Zoo spokesperson Michael Braun issued a statement condemning the reckless act. “Jumping into a wild animal enclosure is extremely dangerous, both for the person involved and for the animals. Our staff risked their own safety to save her, and we are grateful this did not end in a fatality.”
The incident has raised renewed concerns about visitor safety and animal welfare. Polar bears, the largest land carnivores on Earth, are incredibly strong and unpredictable, especially in captivity where territorial instincts can be heightened. Experts point out that such encounters often put animals at risk as well—if a bear had killed the intruder, it could have been euthanized for public safety.
Police are now investigating why the woman jumped into the enclosure. Early reports suggest it may have been an intentional stunt or protest, but mental health issues have not been ruled out. Security footage is being reviewed, and witnesses are being interviewed to piece together the timeline of events.
Visitors at the zoo during the attack described the atmosphere as “chaotic and surreal.” Families with children were ushered away from the enclosure, and the polar bear habitat was temporarily closed for the rest of the day. “It was horrifying to watch,” one parent said. “I just kept thinking about what could have happened if staff hadn’t reacted so quickly.”
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred at the Berlin Zoo. In 2009, a similar case made international headlines when a woman jumped into the polar bear enclosure during feeding time and was severely injured.
Authorities are urging the public to respect safety rules at zoos and wildlife parks, emphasizing that barriers exist to protect both visitors and animals. As one official put it: “No photograph, no thrill, and no protest is worth risking your life—or theirs.”
