A trip to the zoo is usually a pleasant and safe outing. However, in spring 2009, visitors at Berlin Zoo witnessed a horrifying scene at the polar bear exhibit.

As guests gathered to watch the daily polar bear feeding—a popular event where zookeepers toss food into the enclosure from a safe distance—a shocking event unfolded. A woman, 32 years old, unexpectedly climbed over the three-foot wall surrounding the enclosure and jumped into the frigid water. She began swimming toward the bears, most of whom were focused on their meal, though one bear quickly took notice and approached her.

With onlookers in a state of panic, the woman struggled to escape as zoo staff sprang into action. They threw life rings and chunks of meat to distract the bears, but things became increasingly dangerous as more bears entered the water, attracted by her splashes. Despite her desperate attempts to hold onto the life rings, one bear managed to grab her multiple times, causing severe injuries.

Finally, zookeepers pulled her to safety, and she was immediately rushed to the hospital with deep wounds on her arms, hips, back, and legs. By some miracle, she survived the attack. Later, zoo biologist Heiner Klos commented on the swift action taken by zoo staff, noting that the facility’s emergency protocol prevented an even worse outcome.

Authorities identified the woman as Mandy K., a mother from Herzberg who had been experiencing severe personal issues, including job loss, a painful breakup, and mounting debt. The incident took place on Good Friday while her daughter was with her father, leaving Mandy alone and emotionally overwhelmed. Some close to her suggested that her actions might have been a cry for help.

The zoo announced no changes to the enclosure’s security, explaining that determined individuals could still find ways to enter. This was not the zoo’s first incident with polar bears; a year earlier, a man had entered the enclosure with Knut, a famous young polar bear cub, creating another dramatic spectacle.