Uriel Nuri, head of the carnivores team at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, was fatally injured during a behind-the-scenes tour when a leopard escaped its confines. The zoo is collaborating with police to investigate the incident, which has drawn attention to animal safety protocols.
Tragic Incident at Jerusalem Zoo: Worker Fatally Attacked by Escaped Leopard
Tragic Incident at Jerusalem Zoo: Worker Fatally Attacked by Escaped Leopard
A zoo worker in Jerusalem has died following an unexpected attack by a leopard that escaped its enclosure during a visitor tour.
A tragic incident occurred at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on Friday morning, resulting in the death of a zoo worker after a leopard escaped its enclosure and attacked him. The victim, Uriel Nuri, aged 36 and head of the carnivores team, was conducting a "behind-the-scenes tour" for visitors when the incident took place.
The zoo confirmed that Nuri sustained severe injuries primarily to his upper body and was immediately rushed to Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, despite prolonged resuscitation efforts at the hospital, medical staff were compelled to declare him deceased, expressing their condolences and support to his family during this heartbreaking time.
Located in south-west Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is known for showcasing various big cats, including tigers, lions, and cheetahs. According to Nuri's social media, he frequently shared his passion for animal care, particularly highlighting moments from his work. The zoo stated that the "tragic event" occurred while staff were preparing the leopards for enrichment activities. During this process, one leopard allegedly managed to escape into an inner courtyard and attacked Nuri.
Importantly, the zoo reassured the public that at no point were visitors in immediate danger as they remained safely behind a protective glass barrier. The management announced a comprehensive investigation in coordination with Israeli police to determine the circumstances that allowed the leopard to breach its enclosure, speculating that the cage door may have become loose.
This event reminds the public of safety concerns regarding animal enclosures in zoos, as highlighted by a previous incident in which a crocodile had to be euthanized after attacking a worker. The zoo, spanning 62 acres and home to various species, aims to educate visitors about animals mentioned in the Bible as well as endangered species globally. The staff's grief over Nuri’s tragic loss adds to the ongoing discourse about employee safety and animal management in environments that host potentially dangerous species.
