In brief
The incident highlights the risks faced by zoo staff and raises questions about animal enclosure safety protocols.
In a heartbreaking incident at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, a dedicated zookeeper, Uriel Nuri, has died following an attack by a leopard that managed to escape its enclosure. The attack occurred during a behind-the-scenes tour for zoo visitors on Friday morning, as revealed by zoo officials. Urging a thorough investigation, the zoo is collaborating with Israeli police to determine how the leopard escaped into the courtyard where Nuri was working.Uriel Nuri, 36, who was the head of the carnivores team at the zoo, sustained severe injuries to his upper body and was quickly transported to Hadassah University Hospital in critical condition. Despite the medical staff's heroic efforts, he was pronounced dead following extensive attempts to revive him.According to zoo statements, on the day of the incident, staff were engaged in a routine activity aimed at enriching the leopards' environment. This included preparing for an educational experience for visitors. While the leopard's escape resulted in a dangerous situation for the staff, zoo representatives assured that at no time were visitors in danger, as they were safely behind a protective glass barrier.Reports from Haaretz indicate that investigators are exploring whether a malfunction might have caused the cage door to loosen, enabling the leopard to escape. The zoo expressed profound grief and extended condolences to Nuri’s family, stating, "Our hearts go out to Uriel's family in these incredibly painful times."This tragic incident adds to the zoo's history of dangerous animal encounters, as it follows a past episode where a crocodile had to be euthanized after biting a worker, resulting in serious injuries. The 62-acre facility in south-west Jerusalem makes it a unique attraction, with its focus on Biblical animals and endangered species worldwide.
