A visit to the zoo is usually a fun, peaceful experience, but at Berlin Zoo in 2009, one spring day turned into a frightening event. During the usual feeding time for the polar bears, visitors watched in horror as a 32-year-old woman suddenly climbed over the low barrier and jumped into the icy water of the bear enclosure.
Most of the bears were focused on the food given by zookeepers, but one noticed the woman swimming toward them. This bear quickly approached and attacked her as she tried desperately to escape back to the wall. The crowd witnessed the dangerous struggle unfold, and zoo staff rushed to help, throwing life rings into the water to rescue her.
Several bears entered the water, attracted by the splashing, making the situation even more dangerous. Despite their attacks, zookeepers managed to pull the woman to safety. She was badly injured with deep wounds but survived the ordeal.
Zoo biologist Heiner Klos credited the zoo’s alarm system for the quick response that likely saved the woman’s life. The authorities clarified that the bears were only reacting naturally and did not punish them after the attack.
The woman, later identified as Mandy K. from Herzberg, was going through personal struggles at the time. Having lost her job, partner, and facing financial hardship, some believe her actions were a cry for help.
Though the zoo considered using force if things worsened, they have no plans to increase enclosure security, as officials said no barrier could fully stop someone determined to enter. Notably, a similar incident happened in 2008 when a man entered the enclosure of the famous young polar bear, Knut.
