This incident sparks an investigation into the escape of the big cat, raising concerns about zoo safety protocols.
**Tragedy Strikes Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: Staff Member Killed by Escaped Leopard**
**Tragedy Strikes Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: Staff Member Killed by Escaped Leopard**
A zoo worker tragically loses life after a leopard attack during a visitor tour in Jerusalem.
In a heartbreaking incident, a zookeeper in Jerusalem has lost his life following an attack by a leopard that managed to escape its enclosure. Uriel Nuri, head of the carnivores team at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, was conducting a "behind-the-scenes tour" for visitors when the 36-year-old was fatally injured. The zoo has stated that they are collaborating with Israeli police to investigate the circumstances that allowed the leopard to escape into a courtyard where the incident occurred, leading to the zoo being closed to the public temporarily.
Mr. Nuri was swiftly transported to Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem, but despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead. The hospital expressed its condolences and stated that their staff is supporting Nuri's grieving family. According to the zoo's statement, the unfortunate event unfolded during a standard procedure to prepare the leopards for enrichment activities as part of the tour for visitors. The management reassured that there was no danger to the visitors present, who remained securely behind a protective glass.
The investigation is currently focused on how the leopard managed to get out of its enclosure, with reports suggesting that a loose cage door might be to blame. The zoo expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident, stating, "Our hearts go out to Uriel's family," emphasizing the immense grief felt by the staff. Last year, there was a separate incident involving a crocodile that bit a worker, necessitating medical intervention, which raises further questions about safety measures within the facility. The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, located in the southwest of the city, is dedicated to showcasing animals from biblical texts and endangered species, spanning over 62 acres of land.
Mr. Nuri was swiftly transported to Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem, but despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead. The hospital expressed its condolences and stated that their staff is supporting Nuri's grieving family. According to the zoo's statement, the unfortunate event unfolded during a standard procedure to prepare the leopards for enrichment activities as part of the tour for visitors. The management reassured that there was no danger to the visitors present, who remained securely behind a protective glass.
The investigation is currently focused on how the leopard managed to get out of its enclosure, with reports suggesting that a loose cage door might be to blame. The zoo expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident, stating, "Our hearts go out to Uriel's family," emphasizing the immense grief felt by the staff. Last year, there was a separate incident involving a crocodile that bit a worker, necessitating medical intervention, which raises further questions about safety measures within the facility. The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, located in the southwest of the city, is dedicated to showcasing animals from biblical texts and endangered species, spanning over 62 acres of land.
